Connie Sue Rabine, 69, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 13, 2024 following a lengthy illness at Season’s Hospice House in Rochester, where she had been a resident for 2 weeks.

Connie Sue Rabine

Connie, the daughter of John and Kathryn “Katy” (Cardinal) Vogelsang was born on December 15, 1954 in Austin, MN. She grew up and graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1972. After graduation Connie attended Vocational School in Austin, earning her certification as a legal secretary. Connie was married on June 21, 1974 to Mark Rabine, later divorcing in 2009. The couple moved to South Dakota for a few years before moving to Alexandria and then settling in Albert Lea for over 20 years, raising their two children Rochelle and Kyle, and living an active life. After leaving Albert Lea Connie lived in Faribault, White Bear Lake and Rochester, each for several years. Connie was employed as a legal assistant and secretary throughout her career with the majority of her time spent at the Freeborn County Attorney’s office, Carlson Fisher Law Office in Faribault, and the Rice County Attorney’s Office where she retired from in 2019. She was a past member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea.

Connie was a proud and fun Girl Scout Leader during Rochelle’s youth, and was also very involved with the Albert Lea hockey program during Kyle’s youth. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her many friends, and reading. She loved being surrounded by plants and flowers as well as the current season’s decorations, especially her favorite, Christmas. She spent a lot of time gathering ideas and creating colorful flower pots each Spring. She loved to spend time with her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending many of their school and sporting events. Her smile and laugh would stand out in any crowd. Connie had an outgoing, infectious personality that influenced her friends, coworkers and family. She was a kind and thoughtful soul who cared deeply for the people she surrounded herself with, and will be missed by the many lives she touched.

Connie is survived by her daughter – Rochelle (Josh) Steiger of Stewartville, MN and her son – Kyle (Erika) Rabine of Hugo, MN; six grandchildren – Ashlyn (Gerardo) Morales, Andrew Steiger, Jack Steiger, Sydney Rabine, Marshall Rabine, Emma Rabine and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters – Jody Mieska and Peggy Ottman and her brother-in-law Lee Ottman.

In keeping with Connie’s wishes, a private family committal service and burial will take place at Dexter Cemetery in rural Dexter. A Celebration of Connie’s Life, for all of her family and friends will be held at a later date. The time and place, once established, will be added to her obituary on our website and placed on Facebook. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Connie are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com