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Rachel McNett
Rachel McNett, age 94, of New Rockford, ND, died Friday, May 11, 2012, at Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford. Rachel Helene Birkeland was born August 16, 1917, the daughter of John and Harriet (Watts) Birkeland, at home in Hillsdale Township, Eddy County, near Warwick, ND. She grew up there and attended country school until attending and graduating from Devils Lake High School. Rachel attended 2 years at North Dakota Agricultural College (NDSU), Fargo, ND, obtaining a teaching certificate. She taught in rural schools at Tolna and Sheyenne, and then taught 21 years at Warwick Public School. She taught school for a total 27 years, retiring in May of 1984. Rachel had received a BA in Education from VCSU in the early 1970’s.
While teaching near Tolna, Rachel met Ervin McNett. They were united in marriage at Warwick on August 27, 1943. They bought the Birkeland family farm, which Ervin farmed until his death June 1, 1982. Rachel continued to live on the farm until moving to New Rockford in 2002. She also spent several extended periods on the west coast with her children who live there. Rachel is remembered as loving to study her Bible, and that she enjoyed other reading, crocheting, cooking & baking, and gardening. She was a member of Warwick Lutheran Church. She is survived by two sons and two daughters, Barry (JoAnn) McNett of New Rockford, and Brad (Sandy) McNett, Camellia Embacher and Tracy (Grant) Smith, all of Maysville, WA; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Doris Baker and Joan (Keith) Bergevin, both of Bothell, WA; one brother-in-law, Bill Conant, Seattle, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, a grandson, Brandon McNett, a son-in-law, Karl Embacher; 2 brothers, John and Charles; and 3 sisters, Margie, Hazel and Dorothy.
FUNERAL SERVICE: First Lutheran Church, New Rockford, ND DATE AND TIME: Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 10:30AM BURIAL: Warwick Cemetery, Warwick, ND at 1:15pm |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Maggie (Konzak) Orand
Date: May 17, 2012
Message: To the McNett children: Growing up, we loved to see your Mom Rachel. She always carried herself with a special grace and eloquence. I am sure her faith was a pillar to not only herself but was the strength that carried many around her through all the challenges of her long lived life. Take care, remembering well... Maggie
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Name: Kristin Konzak and Rob Salomon
Date: 16 May 2012
Message: We send our condolences and our best to the family. I remember all the great Birkeland family gatherings and Rachel was always a ray of sunshine. Rachel was one of the cousins that Mom held close to her heart. She will be missed, but Mom will now have great company. Greg and Pak will be at the funeral to represent the Konzak family.
Sincerely, Kristin
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Name: Bonnie & Harold Holtz
Date: May 16, 2012
Message: We were sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Our condolences to all of you. We always remembered her as a wonderful teacher in the Warwick School.
Bonnie and Harold Holtz
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Name: Randy & Char (Schill) Ely
Date: 5-15-2012
Message: We are sorry to hear about your mom. God bless you all.
Randy & Char
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Name: Connie & Dwain Brown
Date: May 15, 2012
Message: We are thinking of all of you. I always liked your MOM and enjoyed talking with her. I always thought she was so pretty. Sorry we won't be able to come to her funeral. I have a doctor's appointment and one of my grandchildren has her school program that morning. Connie Moen Brown
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Name: Tom Sharbono
Date: 5-15-12
Message: Cam, Brad, Barry, and Tracy.
Sorry to hear of your moms passing. I remember her as my 1st Sunday school teacher in Warwick. My best to you all. Tom S