Renée D. Meister, age 57 of Mankato, passed away April 19, 2019. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 11:00AM with a visitation 1-hour prior, all at Hope Lutheran Church, 201 Hope Ave., Jordan. Renée will be laid to rest Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato. Pastor Steve Thompson will preside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Renée’s memory.
On August 12, 1961 in Mankato, MN, Renée Deena Meister was born to parents Dean and Margia Meister. She was the oldest of three children to be raised in Mankato. In her youth, Renée always kept busy! She enjoyed dancing with her mom and playing with her pets. Later on, she participated in the Special Olympics and with LEEP of Mankato. Renée was also a fan of the Vikings and the Twins.
After her graduation from Mankato East High School, Renée began working for MRCI. She worked there for 40 years doing a variety of in-house and community based jobs. She loved going to work each day and found fulfillment in working and socializing with others.
Throughout life, Renée loved the Wizard of Oz! For many years, Renée would dress up for Halloween as Dorothy, although she occasionally gowned up as the Wicked Witch. She shared her love of the Wizard of Oz with her niece Mia. Renée loved when Mia would read to her! Renée had a special relationship with her nephews as well, often she inquired about their lives.
Renée enjoyed going on walks with her family and getting together with them. She especially looked forward to any special outings involving treats. She had a sweet tooth—blueberry pancakes, donuts, chocolate, ice cream from Dairy Queen…she enjoyed it all! When the family went out to eat, Renée’s primary focus was the sweet treats and socializing came next. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life!
At her group home, Renée continued her love of dance and enjoyed going on walks, watching movies, painting, and listening to music. She had a great relationship with the staff and her roommates. Renée could always read people. She knew when to ask the staff for things and when to wait. Renée was social, talkative and had a way of teaching other people about life when they least expected it.
In 2016, she had the first of two major brain surgeries. Despite experiencing medical setbacks, Renée always exceeded her doctor’s expectations. She was truly a fighter. Her surgeries never changed who she was, a loving person who gave the very best hugs!
Renée is loved and missed by her siblings, Jeff (Antonina) Meister, Nancy (Dean) Christiansen; nephews, Brian and Cody; niece, Mia; other loving relatives and friends.
Renée is greeted in Heaven by her parents, Dean and Margia.
A special thank you to the staff of MRCI and Prairie Community Services for all the care and consideration given to Renée.
