Nancy Brakke

Nancy May Brakke, 84, of Rochester, MN, died Monday, January 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Nancy was born on September 10, 1940, to Dean and Climene Armstrong. She graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1958 and continued her education at St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing, earning the title of Registered Nurse in 1964. She worked at Olmsted Medical Group, Samaritan Bethany and Mayo Clinic for many years where she retired, while also serving as a Parish nurse for Peace United Church of Christ and for Autumn Ridge Church.

Nancy met the love of her life, Duane Brakke, outside the Methodist Kahler nursing dorm in 1960, and on March 4, 1962, they were married. Together they have three beautiful children, Todd, Tammy & Theresa, twelve grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren.

Nancy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and on April 11, 2004, she was baptized at First Baptist Church. Through her relationship with the Lord and faith in Jesus, we are comforted to know she is in Heaven, fully free of her earthly limitations.

Nancy enjoyed gardening, birds, basket making, and countless other crafts and activities. Spending time with family, going to sports games, concerts, recitals, and vacationing in Leech Lake, MN, is cherished as the best of times.

She especially enjoyed watching her family grow. Every birth, marriage or new partner that was brought to the dinner table, she always welcomed with open arms and a smile. With every kind gesture, thoughtful inquiry, and every stroke of her handwritten birthday cards, her love was felt by all those who had the privilege of loving her back.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 62 years, Duane Brakke, sister-in-law Linda (Dave) Anderson, children Todd (Shari) Brakke, Tammy Radloff, and Theresa (Dan) De Grace. Grandchildren, Jessica (Andy) Daly, Emily (Tim) Robichaud, Clara Radloff, Ben (Kaitie) Brakke, Noah Brakke, Anna (Ben) Norman, Sara (Marcus) Brakke, Danny De Grace, Maddie De Grace, Olivia (Jørgen) Tømmerberg, Isabelle De Grace, Eva De Grace, niece and nephews, Wendy, Eric, Jeff, and twelve great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Climene.

A special thank you to Mayo Hospice for their compassionate care.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Pl NW). A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Brakke family. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzanvinefh.com.