Betty Ann Rein

Betty A. Rein, 79, of Moorhead, MN, died March 20, 2022, at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND

Betty Ann Kruse was born on April 24, 1942, at home on the family farm in Smiley Township, MN. The family lived on the farm until they moved to St. Hilaire. Betty played with her siblings outside their roomy house in the large yard by the creek, catching bullfrogs they sold to an old bachelor to eat, and floating mice down the water in boats made of leaves.

The family then settled in Halstad, MN where Betty graduated from high school in1960. During her sophomore year she met David Rein and enjoyed everything from cheerleading to singing in the choir.

After graduation, Betty accepted a position as a bank teller at Metropolitan Bank in Fargo, ND. While living in the area, Betty attended Moorhead State University before accepting a position with Congressman Odin Langen in Washington, D.C. to be near David. They were married in 1964. Betty immersed herself in the events of the time, attending the March on Washington to hear the famous “I Have A Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr., and watching David march in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.

David’s life as a career Naval office allowed the two sweethearts from rural, MN to travel the world together, living in wonderful places such as Bangkok, Thailand; Boulder, Colorado; Seabeck, Washington; Franconia, Virginia; Naples, Italy; and Ridgecrest, California.

While touring the world with David, Betty focused on raising her three children, Jennifer, Jessica, and Patrick. Upon their return to Minnesota, Betty accepted a position with the Psychology Department at Concordia College, where she worked as their administrative assistant for 12 years before leaving to run her bed and breakfast, Bella Casa, for 7 years. Running the business allowed Betty to pursue two of her great passions and skills, cooking and baking.

She spent her later years doting on and helping to care for her grandchildren, Cullen, Max, Samuel, and Ellie, which she described as a great blessing.

Betty was an inspiration to her children who looked to her for guidance their entire lives. She believed in family, education, the Arts, and having a meaningful career; encouraging her children and grandchildren to pursue all four. She loved painting, reading, antiques, collectibles, and her flower garden. Betty will be remembered by her friends and family as a nurturing soul who made everyone feel immediately welcome. She was an excellent listener as well as an avid conversationalist. Betty believed in caring for others, which she demonstrated in loving fashion by devoting years of her life tending to her elderly mother, helping her siblings when their families experienced illness or loss, and making grandmothering a part of her daily life.

Betty leaves behind David Rein, her constant partner and husband of 54 years; devoted children and their spouses, Jennifer Rein & Chris Strutz , Jessica Froehlich, Patrick & Jayne Rein; grandchildren Cullen Rein, Max Froehlich, Samuel Rein-Strutz, and Ellie Rein; siblings, Robert Kruse, Beverly Cousins, Arnold Kruse, Dennis Kruse, Steven Kruse, and Judith Irwin; and a large, extended family of beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and their children.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Arnold (Curly) Kruse and Arlene (Mickey) Kruse; niece, Lisa Cousins; sister-in-law, Cathy Kruse; son-in-law, Steven Froehlich; and brother-in-law, Jack Cousins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11:00 A.M., with visitation for one hour before the service, at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. The service will be livestreamed here for those unable to attend.