Reanie Mae Mrnak

OBITUARY Reanie Mae Mrnak was born on December 18, 1926 on the family farm in Lake Mary Township, MN to Anton and Rose (Benesh) Kalina. Reanie went to country school at District 19 in Lake Mary Township through the eighth grade. She helped out on the farm cooking, gardening, and helping with the daily chores. Reanie was united in marriage to Robert Mrnak on June 4, 1946 and two children were born; Rose Ann and Reanie. Together they raised their daughters on a farm in Leven Township in Pope County. Reanie worked as a cook at the Glenwood High School for over 15 years. She also worked at Pete’s Supermarket in the bakery, Dr. Norden Dental office as a dental assistant and at Osterberg’s Café at the pastry cook. Baba, which is a nickname lovingly given to her by her children, has always worked hard and lived her life with lots of love and energy. She was known in the area for her beautiful wedding cakes, graduation cakes, birthday cakes and of course her Kolaches. Baba was a great cook always making more than enough food for family gatherings. She loved to garden and meticulously tended to her large vegetable gardens. She would can what she needed and gave the rest to family and friends to enjoy. Baba’s family was very near and dear to her. She loved to keep in touch with them by talking on the phone nearly every day to either her daughter, son-in-law, sister, or grandchildren. She had a special connection with her great grandson who she lovingly called, “My Little Riley”. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Reanie “Baba” Marnak died on Monday, December 15, 2014 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 87 years old. She is survived by her daughter Rose Ann Danielson of Elbow Lake, MN; son-in-law Dave Knutson of Garfield, MN; grandson Eli Praska of Glenwood, MN; granddaughters Tracey Danielson of Fergus Falls, MN and Heidi (Mike) Wetterling of Ashby, MN; great grandson Riley Wetterling of Ashby, MN; sister Rose (Maynard) Chan of Lowry, MN; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Reanie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Mrnak, daughter Reanie Knutson, brother Leroy Kalina, and son-in-law Lee Danielson. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood, MN with Father Michael Wolfbauer officiating. Interment was in the Bohemian Independent Cemetery in Lake Mary Township, MN. Casket Bearers were Dave Knutson, Mike Wetterling, Chris Briggs, Don Dally, Eli Praska, and Mark Tauber. Honorary Casket Bearers were Tracey Danielson, Heidi Wetterling, and Riley Wetterling. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net

Reanie Mae Mrnak

December 18, 1926 - December 15, 2014