Nancy Rebischke

Nancy Rae (Thorn) Rebischke, 67, of Verndale, MN, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of November 3, 2011. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 11, at 11:00 AM, at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The burial will be at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her three children, Cindy Leen (Donald), of Sauk Rapids, Robert Rebischke (Joanna Rohlfsen) ,of Minneapolis, and Sara Beckstrom (Todd Minkel), of Sartell; her ex-husband William Rebischke, of Waite Park; and her eight grandchildren: Mitchell Leen (19), Justin Leen (17), Rachel Leen (12), Brady Beckstrom (12), Brooke Beckstrom (9), Adam Rebischke (4), Benjamin Rebischke (4), and Sophia Minkel (17 months).

Nancy was born on December 20, 1943, in Staples, Minnesota, to John and Myrtle (Johnson) Thorn. Nancy was a graduate of Staples High School and graduated from the St. Barnabus School of Nursing. She was an extremely bright student and a natural caregiver. These talents translated well to a career as a registered nurse. She also loved to travel and spent eight years mid-career as a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. She would often bring her children along while she worked for the airline, instilling in them a similar love for travel at a young age.

Late in her life, Nancy found peace and kinship through her involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous. She will be fondly remembered for her friendship, for her love of her family and grand kids, for her cooking, and for always having the best of intentions.