Obituary of Neal Kennard Rabe

Neal Kennard Rabe passed away on October 10, 2024 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Cloud, Minnesota at the age of 84. Born November 10, 1939 in Bismarck, North Dakota to John H. and Emma L. (Schloendorf) Rabe.

Neal was an Army veteran who met Jackie, the love of his life, while stationed in Chicago. After their marriage they moved to St. Louis Park, Minnesota to start their family. He soon began working for North Central Airlines and completed a 30-year career until his retirement from Northwest Airlines. He enjoyed traveling with his family and friends. He was an avid model train enthusiast and became president of the Circus Model Builders. His passion for modeling continued up until his passing.

Neal was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his 5 children and 14 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Always a patriot, Neal loved history, specifically WWII. His travels to the battlefields and beaches of Normandy, France were one of his favorite adventures. His knowledge of aviation history and aircraft types were always a fantastic topic at airshows and aviation museums that he shared with anyone who would listen.

Neal was preceded in death by his father John and mother Emma, his brother Roger and baby sister Elaine.

Neal is survived by his wife Jackie; children; Kelly(Randy) McDowell of St. Michael Minnesota, Michael (Christine) Rabe of Daytona Beach, Florida, Kimberly(Thomas) Cleveland of Elk River Minnesota, Craig(Toni) Rabe of Choctaw, Oklahoma, and Daniel(Danielle) Rabe of Big Lake Minnesota. His grandchildren Michael (Tricia) Cleveland, Jenny Cleveland, Angie Cleveland, Katrina(Cody) Disselbrett, Craig McDowell, Karri McDowell, Eric(Leah) Rabe, Matthew(Emily) Rabe, Cody(Vanessa) Rabe, Casey Rabe, Shawna Rabe, Shane Rabe, Ayden Rabe, Austen Kirschner. Great grandchildren Harper McDowell, Levi Bilotta, Julian Rabe, Violet Rabe.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:30a.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota Edina Chapel; 7110 France Avenue, Edina, MN 55435. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow at 1:45p.m., Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery; 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450. Neals Family invites everyone back to the Cremation Society of Minnesota Edina ; 7110 France Avenue, Edina, MN 55435 for a Reception & share memories; between 3:00p.m. -5:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions will be donated to the Circus Model Builders in Neal’s honor. https://www.circusmodelbuilders.club/donate