Peter “Pete” Lee VanBeelen, age 71, of Carson City, passed away in the comfort of his home, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Pete is the son of the late Paul VanBeelen and June (Hoffer) VanBeelen Bullard. He was born April 21, 1954, in Gratiot County. He was the youngest of two sisters, Patti Lipps and Cheryl Nelson. 

He married the love of his life, Cindy Peiffer, April 21, 1979. They shared a life together for 46 years and have two children, Tara and Jordan; and five grandchildren, Ellie, Max, Ashton, Grayson and Addy. He will also be greatly missed by his faithful and loyal dog, Sadie. 

Pete was mostly known for being a businessman of 42 years in Carson City, specializing in income taxes and bookkeeping. Those that knew him were impressed by his carpentry skills and his ability to fix anything that came his way. He had an eye for detail and a philosophy for ‘Do it right, do it once’. He was an avid outdoorsman who also loved growing plants and trees with his son. Pete was often called “the plant whisperer” by his wife. 

Many friends and family enjoyed spending time with Pete and Cindy cruising on the redneck yacht, hanging out, laughing, telling stories, listening to music and just enjoying life together while watching the waterfall on the pond at their property and home. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, June Bullard; father, Paul VanBeelen; stepfather, Jim Bullard; sister, Patty Lipps; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, John Heckman, Susie Barker, Mary and John Devers, Jack and Lynette Peiffer, Pete Peiffer, JoAnn Maybee and Tony Peiffer. 

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 46 years, Cindy VanBeelen; children, Tara Matthysse, Jordan VanBeelen; grandchildren, Ellie, Max, Ashton, Grayson, and Addy; sister, Cheryl Nelson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Gary Lipps, Sherry Heckman, Jim Barker, Skip and Roxie Peiffer, Tom and Doris Peiffer, Joe and Penny Peiffer, Rod and Vicki Peiffer, Fred and Chris Peiffer, Dean Peiffer, Dan Peiffer, Kelly Peiffer, Terry Peiffer; and many nieces and nephews who loved and admired him deeply.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 1, at New Haven Church of the Brethren, 7587 Grant Rd, Middleton, MI 48856, with Rev. Brian Ruth officiating. The burial will take place at a later date. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, July 31, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the church. Those who wish, may make memorial contributions to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation.