Marlene Marie Rachie

Marlene Marie Rachie passed away peacefully on November 1st at the age of 83. Born on July 5, 1941, Marlene led a life filled with love, joy, and dedication to her family, friends, and loved ones. She shared a devoted and loving 47-year marriage with her beloved husband, John B. Rachie, whom she met after being chosen as the Aquatennial Princess for Northeast Minneapolis. Their love story began with this special connection, and it blossomed into a life rich in family and friendship. Marlene was a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her sons, Paul and David, and their families: Paul Rachie and Catherine Thimmesh, and their children and grandchildren; Jaimie Thimmesh Rachie (Ryan Janning) and their son, Beckett; Simon Thimmesh Rachie (Ellie Ingle) their son Jude; as well as David, his wife, Kimberly, and their children, Julianna, Angelina, John, and Alexandra. Growing up in Northeast Minneapolis, Marlene was honored as the homecoming queen at Edison High School. Driven by her passion for literature and teaching, she later earned her Master of Education and English degree from the University of Minnesota. For 25 years, she inspired students as an English teacher at Roosevelt Junior High, where she was cherished by colleagues and students alike for her dedication and kindness. She was also a caring sister to her brothers Doug (Johnson), Roger, and Dick Rignell. She was especially close to her sister, Sharon Rignell Olson, with whom she shared much laughter and countless adventures and memories traveling the world. The most rewarding part of Marlene’s life was the joy she found in her home on Forest Lake, where she created a warm and welcoming space for her family and friends. Together, they built treasured memories on the same lake where her husband, John, had spent his childhood summers and where they later settled to raise their own family and where she continued to live until her passing. She leaves behind a legacy of nurturing compassion, joyfulness, and gentle resilience that will be cherished by all who knew her. Services will be held on Monday, December 2nd at Roberts Family Funeral Home: 555 Centennial Drive S.W., Forest Lake, Minnesota; Visitation at 10:00 / Service at 10:30 / Lunch to follow (RSVP for your preferred DQ Blizzard flavor or receive a random flavor). Marlene will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Lakewood Cemetery.