FLORENE REKSTEIN

Florene Rekstein

January 25, 1928-December 9, 2021

Florene Rekstein, age 93, of Fairfax, MN passed away Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Ecumen Pathstone Living in Mankato, MN.

Memorial Service will be Monday, December 27, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax with interment in Fort Ridgely Cemetery, Nicollet County, MN. Gathering of Family and Friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Florene Hope Rekstein was born on January 25, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN. She was the daughter of Oliver and Irene (Cresine) Haggestad. Florene was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth. She received her education in Fairfax and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School Class of 1946.

On May 11, 1947, Florene was united in marriage to Stewart Rekstein at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin, MN. After their marriage, the couple resided in Franklin and then moved to Fairfax, and lived there for more than 55 years. They moved to St. Peter in 2003 to be closer to their children. They were blessed with two children, Lance and Dawn. Florene and Stewart shared 60 years of marriage when Stewart passed away on December 11, 2007.

Florene was employed as a waitress, bartender, school bus driver, and homemaker. Her attention to detail in her housekeeping was her greatest talent. Her kids would often tease her about an imaginary speck of dust here or there knowing it would make her crazy until she took care of it, real or imagined! No matter what time of day you dropped in to visit, her house was spotless and there would be a cup of coffee waiting to be shared with you as well as the latest baked good just out of the oven, and if you were there at mealtime there would always be a place set for you at her table.

Florene had a great sense of humor. She loved a good story or joke and if you minced words at all she would say, "Oh you can talk plainer than that!" She enjoyed getting together in the afternoons with the ladies who lived in her apartment building and together they would laugh and solve each other's problems. Thanks ladies (you know who you are) for being so good to her.

Florene was the ultimate animal lover, especially her favorite Boston Terrier dogs. She raised many over the years and we take comfort in knowing that there were many tails wagging and waiting for her when she passed from here to be reunited with them again. She loved to watch the yearly horse races on TV as well and was so appreciative of their strength and graceful beauty. Animal rescue organizations knew where they could find a caring soul who would give every last dollar she had to make sure they were cared for.

Her greatest joy over the years was her family. She was so happy to become a grandma, but being promoted to great-grandma with the births of Kale, Sophie and Ada made her heart just about burst. (Even if it meant she would have to chase them around her apartment with a warm wash rag to make sure their sticky fingers were taken care of after having treats with her! )

Florene was a lifetime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Fairfax.

When she needed assistance with her daily care Florene became a resident of Ecumen Pathstone Living in Mankato.

Florene is survived by her son, Lance Rekstein of St. Peter, MN; daughter, Dawn (Steve) Draeger of St. Peter, MN; grandchildren, Justin (Amanda) Draeger - great grandchildren, Kale and Sophie of St. Peter, MN; Kristin Draeger of LaMarque, TX; Ryan (Nicole) Draeger - great grandchild: Ada of Cleveland, MN; brother, Keith (Judy) Haggestad of Rockford, IL and their children/nieces and nephews; Todd (Teresa) Haggestad/ Logan and Hunter (Kenzie); Troy (Katie) Haggestad/ Nicholas and Hannah; Nikki (Brandon) Eckert/ Rye; nephews and nieces, Rex, Tom, Mary Kay and Sharon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Irene; husband, Stewart; mother-in-law, Rachel; brother-in-law, Larry and his wife, Arlene.

Memorials preferred to the local animal shelter or Animal Humane Society.

Arrangements by Hauser-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Fairfax, Minnesota. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com