Elaine Rabel

On January 13, 2010, Elaine Doris (Vig) Rabel passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior. Her Family was in her blessed presence, until the moment of her death. Elaine was a lot of fun, from singing hymns to rocking to pop music with her children until her last day, and those to come.

Elaine was born near Claire City, South Dakota to Bennie and Elsie Vig on January 2, 1926. She loved cheerleading, playing her clarinet, sunbathing, ice skating, and chumming with sweetheart, Lloyd Rabel, until her graduation from Morris High School . Elaine then attended St. Olaf and Fairview Hospital ’s nursing programs, receiving her RN in 1947. Elaine and Lloyd were married that December and lived, worked, and raised their family of four children in Bemidji , Redby, Herman, and Wheaton , all in Minnesota , before moving to California in 1969. During her nursing career, Elaine acquired a bachelor’s degree, worked as a school nurse, worked in acute care settings as a staff nurse, was director of nursing and a hospital CEO. She retired from California Medical Review Inc. in 1991 as its director.

Lloyd and Elaine then returned to Minnesota , leaving their favorite getaway, Pisma Coast Village on the Pacific Coast , to be only occasionally revisited. Lloyd, the beach comber, died in 2000. Her daughter, Sandy , became Elaine’s close friend, confidant, and later primary care giver, during her last years. Throughout her life, and especially her last couple of years spent in Grand Rapids , Elaine enjoyed reading, working out at the YMCA, taking long walks, and worshipping her Lord. She also gave of herself as a volunteer and made generous donations to several charities. She was a Gold Star Mother member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Elaine’s family is certain she would want to thank those pastors, friends, and caregivers who enriched her life and eventual passing. You all were obviously guided by the hand of The Almighty.

She is survived by three children: Sandy (Mike) Johnson of Ironton, John (Susanne) Rabel of Bemidji and Jay (Peggy) Rabel of Shorewood; eight grandchildren: Tamera (Ray) Ehlers, Shara (Tim) Pehl, Heather Dean, Maranda (Scott) Stauffacher, Vanessa and Natalie Rabel and Paul and Peter Rabel; five great-grandchildren: Taylor and Savannah Ehlers, Finnley and Izabel Pehl and Gabrial Stauffacher; two sisters: Beverly (Al) Schmidt of Morris and Eloise Olson of Sisseton, SD; daughter-in-law: Katherine Rabel of San Diego, CA and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; one son: Victor Rabel; one infant great-grandchild; her parents: Bennie and Elsie Vig.

Pallbearers for the service are: John Rabel, Jay Rabel, Paul Rabel, Peter Rabel, Dennis Olson, Steven Olson, Tim Olson, Doug Schmidt, David Schmidt, Dwayne Schmidt and Brian Speer. Honorary pallbearers are: Victor Rabel and David Speer. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with John Kleinwolterink serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.