Rachel Kraemer

Rachel A. Kraemer, age 45 of Melrose, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta, Minnesota.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating.  Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13th at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 20^th at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview, Minnesota.

Rachel Ann Kraemer was born March 22, 1978 in Melrose, Minnesota to John and Patricia (Bertram) Kraemer. Rachel attended St. Mary’s elementary school in Melrose, was a member of the Girl Scouts, enjoyed babysitting and working at Nietfeld Farm during the summer. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1996.  She earned a B.S. degree from Bemidji State University and a M.S. degree from St. Cloud State University.  While attending college she worked at the St. Cloud Children’s Home and later as a Corrections Officer for Stearns County. 

Rachel married Aaron Bangasser in 2004 and they became the parents of two wonderful boys, Brady and Andrew.  After moving to the Twin Cities area, Rachel began working for the State of Minnesota and attending college at the University of St. Thomas.  She earned her Doctorate Degree in Education with an emphasis in Organization Development from St. Thomas in 2010. She worked in various departments with the State of Minnesota, most recently with the Department of Homeland Security in Emergency Management.

Rachel will be remembered for her great strength, courage, endless drive and enthusiasm in everything she did and accomplished. Being a good Mother to her boys was one of her highest priorities. She completed many marathons; received the award for Toastmaster of the Year in 2019 and wrote articles that were published.  Rachel loved to travel and spend time at the family cabin near Alexandria.   She will be dearly missed by her friends and family. 

Survivors include her sons Brady and Drew; friend, Aaron Bangasser; parents, John and Patricia Kraemer; brother, Jason Kraemer (Trisha); sister, Gina Eggert (Jeff); nieces and nephews, Avery, Maddi, Austin, Jami, Parker and Mila.

Rachel was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Grace Bangasser; grandparents, Jack and Mabel Kraemer and Elmer and Vivian Bertram.