Reanie Knutson

Reanie Knutson, 57, died September 24, 2009 at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis, MN from an aortic aneurism. Reanie was born August 14, 1952, in Glenwood, MN to Robert and Reanie Mrnak. She graduated from Glenwood High School in 1970. She worked for several years at Yeutters Bakery in Alexandria. She met David in 1969 at Lakeside Ballroom. On September 6, 1974, Reanie and David were married. In 1986, Dave and Reanie were blessed with a baby girl-- Heidi. Reanie was a wonderful mother, sacrificing anything to make Heidi safe and happy. Reanie loved children. She began working with children at Early Childhood in Alexandria in 1990. She continued her career as a paraprofessional at Washington Elementary School in first grade. Reanie devoted close to 20 years sharing her gift of patience and love with each student that came her way. Reanie loved animals. Not only did she care for her inside pets, Oscar and Snickers, but she also adopted strays who lived in the barn. Last winter when it dropped to 40 below, she trudged through the snow to give warm food and water to her stray cats. Reanie loved shopping. She loved when there was a clearance sale and finding good deals. Reanie and Heidi planned many shopping trips to St. Cloud. She seldom paid full price for the many treasures she found. Reanie cherished wedding shopping trips prior to Heidi?s wedding. You couldn?t find someone happier to be mother of the bride. Most of all, Reanie loved her family. She devoted her time and energy caring for her husband and daughter. Although housework wasn?t her favorite, if she knew it was for her family, she did it with a smile. She loved being outside, especially on the boat. In the last month, much of her time was spent helping Heidi set up her first classroom. Reanie is survived by her husband, David; daughter, Heidi Wetterling (Michael); mother, Reanie Mrnak; sister, Rose Danielson; nieces, Tracey Danielson and Sara Galloway; nephews, Eli Praska and Wade Knutson, and many other close friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Mrnak. Funeral services were held on Monday, September 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at West Moe Lutheran Church in Moe Township with Rev. Don Clifford officiating. Burial was at East Moe Cemetery. Pallbearers were Wade Knutson, Chris Briggs, Eli Praska, Mark Tauber, Owen Knutson, Kyle Kangas.