Rachel DeKrey

Rachel DeKrey, 91, of Bismarck, died Aug. 15, 2019, at Sanford Hospital, after a short illness. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019 at Steele United Methodist Church, 102 2^nd St. SW, Steele, with Rev. Marvin Wynstryg officiating.  Visitation will begin an hour prior.  Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele.

Visitation will also be held on Monday, Aug 19^th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck.

Rachel was born on November 26, 1927 near Steele to William and Matilda (Seher) Remmich, the 7^th of 10 children.  She graduated from Steele High School in 1947.  While in high school, Rachel learned to operate a linotype machine at the Kidder County News.  She utilized that skill for over 30 years at the Jamestown Sun and Steele Ozone Press.  After the linotype machine was replaced by offset printing, she read proof for the Ozone.  She also clerked at Steele Drug in the 1980’s. 

Rachel married Harold DeKrey in 1953 and they lived in the town of Steele until 1960 when they moved to the farm.  She was an active member of the Steele United Methodist Church serving as Sunday School Superintendent, church treasurer, and delegate to general conference.  She also was involved in a women’s group, a long term bible study, the Golden Manor Auxiliary, maintaining the Kidder County Museum and many other community activities that happen when you have 3 children.   

Rachel and Harold moved to the Primrose Retirement Community in Bismarck in October of 2015, leaving behind their farm home of 47 years.  Although it was a difficult move, they adjusted

quickly into their new community making new friends and enjoying Primrose activities; and the family is grateful for the wonderful staff there.

She was known for her cooking, baking, cleaning, gardening and hospitality.  Nobody left hungry!  Rachel enjoyed word puzzles and games; especially crossword puzzles which she did in ink.  For a time they traveled with bus trips, an Alaskan cruise, and a trip to Europe, usually part of a group hosted by a retired pastor.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Harold; two sons, Dan (Anne) DeKrey, Bruce (Jeanne) DeKrey; daughter, Jeanie (Scott) Hackey; grandchildren, Andrew DeKrey (special friend, Carlee Willander), Allison DeKrey (special friend, Dillan Folkerts); sisters, Florence Fischer, Arlene Kirk, LoEtta (Wallace) Sellner; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alvin and Lorran; sisters, Emma, Viola, Elsie, and Leah.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Steele United Methodist Church.