Mary Lou Rabenberg

Mary Lou Rabenberg, 83, of Kingsford passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Optalis Health & Rehabilitation, surrounded by her family.
Mary Lou was born in Iron Mountain on Oct. 11, 1939, daughter of the late Clinton and Laura (Mack) Miller. She was a graduate of Kingsford High School, Class of '57. Mary Lou met the love of her life, William Dale Rabenberg, while working at The Galley. On Feb. 14, 1959, they were the first couple to get married in the newly finished sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church. After raising their children, Mary Lou went back to work showcasing her talents as a floral designer at Miller Floral for many years, followed by Perennial Gardens and finishing her career at The Garden Place. Mary Lou was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, both as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. She was full of God's spirit and steady in her faith. She also held memberships with Extension, Sam's Club (camping group) and as a 4-H leader. She was especially fond of her '49 Ford and frequently reminisced of after school rides with her girlfriends. In her free time, Mary Lou enjoyed coloring, camping, gardening, and she was an exceptional cook and baker. She was known for her bubbly personality, her laughter, and her ability to find the good in everything and everyone. Mary Lou brought joy to any room she was in and would always welcome a hug. She and her husband, Bill, loved to dance. The family finds peace in knowing that after 15 years apart, they are reunited on the dance floor in Heaven.
Mary Lou will be missed by her children, Kay Lorge, Mary (Dale) Jarvis, Julie (Charlie) VanGinkel, and William Rabenberg; grandchildren, Celina Pietrzyk, Steven (Allie) Jarvis, Dr. Jennifer (J) Pallme, Brad VanGinkel, Bailey (Ryan) McBee, and Skylar Rabenberg; great-grandchildren, Easton Amundson, Enzlee Amundson, Rose Jarvis, Jarvis Pallme, Burton Gillmet, Adler McBee, and Gemma McBee; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Dale Rabenberg; son-in-law, Steven Lorge; siblings, Donald Ray Miller, Delor "Bud" (Betty) Miller, and Jonquil (John) Willis; and a sister-in-law, Charlotte (Jack) Hayes.
Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church, 395 Hamilton Ave., from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, with Rev. Michael March officiating the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.
The family would like to thank Rev. March for his many years of spiritual guidance, the visits he made to Mary Lou during her time at the nursing home, and the comfort he brought to the family. They would also like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Optalis for providing Mary Lou a comfortable, loving environment. Thank you to her son, Bill, for committing the past few years to caring for his mother, allowing her to remain at home. A special thank you to Norma Deau, a longtime friend of Mary Lou, who cared for her and her family in their time of need. The family would also like to thank Marie, Mary Lou's roommate during her stay at the nursing home, for her friendship.
Condolences may be expressed to the family of Mary Lou Rabenberg online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.