Marilyn "Mickey" Jane (Verploeg) Hay

Hay, Marilyn ”Mickey” Jane (Verploeg)

Born January 8, 1932 in Pella, Iowa and died June 5, 2020 at the Trails of Orono. Mickey was the daughter of Dr. William and Esther (Dunkle) Verploeg, her father was a veterinarian. She graduated from Pella High School, class of 1950 where she played the flute in band and orchestra. She then graduated from Monmouth College, Monmouth, Illinois in 1954. Mickey taught Physical Education for one year at Glenwood, Iowa High School. Following that she joined the Red Cross and while stationed in St. Louis she met John Hay who was in the Air force. They were married on June 2, 1956 in Pella, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, John who died from cancer January 29, 1993; sister, Arlyn Cox; brothers-in-law, HC Cox, Tim Hay, John S. Hutchins and Bruce Hay. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Hutchins of Centennial, Colorado; brother-in-law, Tom Hay and wife Nancy of Shoreview, MN /Tequesta, FL  and several nieces and nephews. Mickey and her husband, John owned and operated Woodwinds Farm in Maple Plain MN. They specialized in raising and showing Arabian Horses. Mickey was particularly fond of the Egyptian Arabian horse.  She was known for breeding some of the finest Egyptian Arabian horses in the horse industry and was very proud of raising, training, and showing her own horses. Mickey was a long-time member of the MN Arabian Horse Association, The Arabian Pyramid Society, and was one of the founding members of the MN Arabian Breeders Horse Association.  Another love of Mickey's was raising Yellow Labs, and French Bulldogs. She also was a member of the PEO Sisterhood, Chapter DG since 1951. Mickey will always be remembered for her quick wit, love for all animals and her strong work ethic. Graveside service 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2020 at Lewis Cemetery, corner of Highway 12 and 90 in Maple Plain. Visitation prior to graveside service 1-2:30 p.m. at David Lee Funeral Home, 1220 East Wayzata Boulevard, Wayzata.  Memorials can go to the MN Arabian Horse Association, Special Olympics, Lewis Cemetery Maple Plain, or to the charity of your choice.

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