Thief River Falls – Renae Vedbraaten passed away on October 27, 2023 at Centra Care Hospital in St. Cloud, with her family by her side. She was 73.
Renae Louise Brekke was born on August 17, 1950 at Northwestern Hospital in Thief River Falls, to Arlie and Mavis Brekke and raised in Oklee. Raised on the family farm, she enjoyed the hard work and time spent with family and friends in the neighborhood. Renae graduated from Oklee High School in 1968 and went on to college to receive her LPN in Thief River Falls.
Growing up in east rural Oklee, Renae had a crush on the neighbor boy from a very early age. However, it was only when she was fifteen that Renae started dating James Vedbraaten. A perfect match, she married her best friend four years later in 1969. Renae and Jim made their home in Thief River Falls where Renae worked as an LPN at the hospital and clinic. During her forty-six-year career, she worked on CNC, Med/Surg, in the Emergency Room, and finally in the Surgical Center as an endoscopy nurse. Renae was a terrific nurse, and people often commented about her compassion and skills; she thoroughly loved her job and demonstrated hard work and integrity to those around her. After fifty-three years in Thief River Falls, Renae and James moved to Avon, in the summer of 2022, to be closer to their children. Ever the doting couple, they continued to spend their days together, playing bingo, joining new senior citizen activities in town, cooking and baking, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and a myriad of other activities.
Renae was also an exceptional and devoted mother to Scott and Shelly. She dedicated herself to their activities throughout their youth; from Boy and Girl Scouts to musical and sporting events, Renae always supported her children’s endeavors and education. She spent countless hours playing backyard games with them, the neighborhood kids, and eventually her grandchildren. She was the best pitcher, ante over, drop the handkerchief, and tag player one could imagine.
Through Scouting and family adventures, Renae also helped instill a love of camping and enjoying the lake and outdoors. She taught her children and scouts to make the best campfires as well as how to cook over an open fire. However, she eventually found more comfort on a permanent lake lot on Lake Sarah.
Even more, she thoroughly enjoyed the yearly family sucker-spearing trip to the rural ditches of Shotley, where she helped them create forever memories and traditions in the chilly May 1st waters. Finally, one of her favorite pastimes was playing cards with her family. Renae learned to play cards from her parents and brothers, and she carried this enthusiasm to her children, playing all sorts of games whenever they were together.
When Renae was not with her family, she also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and sewing. She crocheted numerous afghans and hand towels, pinned, tied, and stitched a plethora of quilts, and hemmed clothes or created full Halloween costumes. And, of course, she was a superb cook and baker, always welcoming anyone and everyone to her table.
Renae and James also created large holiday platters of goodies every year to give to their family and friends for Christmas. Christmas was one of Renae’s favorite holidays, and she was well-known for playing Mrs. Claus (to James’ Santa Claus) in schools, nursing homes, and daycares. She also completely redecorated her home from top to bottom with her Christmas spirit.
Renae was most alive when in the presence of her family, especially her grandchildren. She attended all their functions and was one of their biggest cheerleaders, always encouraging them to try their hardest, have a positive attitude, and have lots of fun. Renae was always a positive influence on others, always encouraging integrity, honesty, and love for others. She had enough love for everyone and had the kindest heart and most beautiful soul.
Renae is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James; her children, Scott (Heather) Vedbraaten of Browerville, and Shelly (partner Dean Roering) of Alexandria; grandchildren, Taylor (Boe) Garthus, Jessica (partner Adam Stone), Christopher, and Ian Vedbraaten, Bethy (Johnny) Hedine, and Lillian Roering; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Charlotte Garthus, and Lyla, Eddy, Ayda, and Olly Hedine; brothers, Dale (Shelley) and Arlen (Deb) Brekke; brothers-in-law, Roger (Edith) and William Vedbraaten; sisters-in-law, Terry Vedbraaten and Loraine (Duayne) Miska; and many nieces and nephews.
Renae was preceded in death by her parents, Arlie and Mavis Brekke; her brothers, Randy and Bobby Brekke; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Leona (Adele) Vedbraaten; brothers-in-law, Ronald and Mark Vedbraaten; and sister-in-law, Linda Vedbraaten.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at St. Bernard’s Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert officiating. Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023 at the Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at Clearwater Cemetery, Equality Township, rural Oklee.
Condolences may be sent at johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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