Ellendale ND Resident Ricki Rekow Death, and Funeral

Posted by Sebrina Pilcher on Thursday, May 2, 2024

Ricki Rekow Obituary:- Ricki Rekow, a beloved wife, mother of 2 sons, and nurse, has passed away unexpectedly. Known for her vibrant spirit and deep connection to her roots, Rekow’s passing is deeply felt throughout her family, friends, and the greater community. Born to the late Marie and Leonard Vasvick on the North Dakota farmstead where she spent her early years, Ricki (née Vasvick) Rekow left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

Ricki Rekow Early Life: A North Dakota Native with a Passion for Nursing

Ricki was born and raised on a farm in Valley Township near Monango, ND, and spent most of her life in the state she loved. She attended Ellendale High School and graduated in 1990. She then pursued her passion for nursing at Jamestown College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1994.

Ricki worked as a registered nurse at various hospitals and clinics in North Dakota, including Trinity Health in Minot, Sanford Health in Fargo, and Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen. She was known for her compassion, professionalism, and dedication to her patients and colleagues. She also served as a mentor and preceptor for many nursing students and new graduates.

Ricki married Brandon Rekow, her high school sweetheart, on December 27, 2008. They had two children, who were the center of their lives. Ricki was a devoted mother who supported her children’s interests and activities. She enjoyed spending time with her family at their lake cabin, where they made many memories fishing, boating, and relaxing.

A Resilient Spirit Who Embraced Change

In 2019, Ricki and Brandon moved to Mooresville, North Carolina, where Brandon had accepted a new job opportunity. Ricki embraced the change with optimism and courage. She quickly found a new nursing position at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, where she impressed her coworkers with her skills and experience. She also made new friends and became involved in her new community.

Ricki never forgot her North Dakota roots and maintained close ties with her family and friends back home. She visited them often and kept in touch through phone calls and social media. She was proud of her heritage and shared it with others through her stories, recipes, and humor.

Ricki’s grandparents, Marie and Leonard Vasvick, who ran Len’s Cafe in Monango, significantly influenced her life. Their entrepreneurial spirit was imbued in Ricki, inspiring her own path and the legacy she leaves behind.

A Legacy of Love and Laughter

Ricki had a way of making everyone feel like family, and her house was a hub of activity and warmth. She had a passion for reading, crocheting, gardening, baking, and decorating. She also loved puzzles, board games, trivia nights, karaoke nights, and dancing. She had a great sense of humor and could always make people laugh with her witty remarks and funny faces.

Ricki was an embodiment of the North Dakota spirit – resilient, warm, and deeply connected to her roots. She touched many lives with her kindness, generosity, and joy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband Brandon Rekow; their children; her parents-in-law Karl (deceased) and Linda Rekow; her siblings-in-law Kevin Rekow (Jill), Keith Rekow (Amy), Kelly Rekow (Tara), Kristin Rekow (Jason); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Marie (deceased) and Leonard Vasvick; her grandparents Marie (deceased) and Leonard Vasvick Sr.; as well as other relatives.

Ricki Rekow Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

Ricki’s funeral will be held at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Ellendale on Friday at 2:00 p.m., the same church where her grandparents were members. Pastor Galen Sylvester will officiate the service, and a visitation and prayer service will take place at Hoven Funeral Chapel in Ellendale from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Ricki will be laid to rest at Rekow Family Cemetery, located on the Rekow Family Farm, Rte. 281 North from Ellendale, Dickey County, North Dakota. This cemetery is located on private property.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in Ricki’s memory.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, condolences, and support during this difficult time.

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