Thief River Falls – Rachel Lea (Noreikis) Fleming, 34, who was currently residing with her mother of Thief River Falls, formerly of Grand Forks, ND and Warren, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side.
Rachel Lea Noreikis was born May 1, 1989 in Grand Forks, ND the daughter of Frank and Michelle (Haugtvedt) Noreikis. She was baptized into the Christian faith and confirmed at Hope Church in Grand Forks, ND. She attended Central High School in Grand Forks and graduated from Warren High School with the class of 2007.
Rachel worked at Little Miracles Day Care Center in Grand Forks prior to meeting Derek Fleming. The couple married on June 12, 2009 and to this union, two lovely daughters were born, Arianna and Addison. They lived at the Grand Forks Air Force Base before moving to Minot Air Force Base. While living on the Minot Air Force Base, Rachel did home daycare.
Rachel had a passion for her children and loved to teach them new things every day. From sign language, counting, and talking at an early age. She carried this love on to her daycare children where she built strong relationships with those families.
Rachel loved to talk! She would go into details that held little relevance and enjoyed every word that she said! She always wanted to make those around her feel loved and wanted. Rachel loved making new friends. She liked arts and crafts to keep her busy including diamond art and crocheting. Rachel loved doing hair, makeup and nails for herself and her daughters who she loved dearly. In the summers on Friday night, you would find her at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks cheering on her favorite race car drivers.
Rachel was beautiful inside and out, but she could still drive you nuts! Rachel wasn’t the most graceful as she could trip on air or fall walking up the stairs. She was very book smart but could sometimes be a little ditzy and gullible.
Rachel loved her brothers and sisters with all her heart. They would fight like cats and dogs, from holiday food fights, to looking at someone the wrong way, they would always love each other and be best friends the next day! She was always there for everybody and was a light in everyone’s life!
In 2014, Rachel had a gastric bypass and wasn’t informed of the potential side effects of the procedure. Sadly, Rachel became addicted to alcohol and struggled with depression, which ultimately led to her early passing. Rachel’s last wish was to let her story be told in hopes that it can save another life. Rachel would want you to use this as a reminder that there is help available 24/7 and that you are loved!
Survivors include her loving daughters, Arianna and Addison; father of her children, Derek (Desi) Fleming all of Fessenden, ND; mother, Michelle (Tim) Carlson of Thief River Falls; father, Frank (Doreen) Noreikis of Warren; stepfather, Adolph Fiebiger Jr. of Grand Forks; siblings, Tiffany (fiancé, Kyle Bell) Noreikis of Warren, Lindsay (Anthony Tiani) Miley of Thief River Falls, Kyle Fiebiger of Thief River Falls, Brianna Lynnes of Grand Forks, ND, Christian Carlson of Thief River Falls, Cody Noreikis and Cole Noreikis both of Warren; grandparents, Julia Haugtvedt and Sheila Noreikis both of Warren, Peggie Noreikis of Elizabethtown, PA, Karen and Windy Rose of Grand Forks; nephews, Leonidas and Alikade; and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by grandfathers, Stanley Haugtvedt Sr. and Francis Noreikis Jr.; and cousins, Kayla Kostrzewski and Justin Haugtvedt.
Rachel’s kindness, laughter and beautiful spirit will be deeply missed.
Memorial donations are appreciated and will be given to her daughters’ college fund.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls.
The Celebration of Life Service for Rachel will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Brethren Church, 601 Dewey Avenue North, Thief River Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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