RaNae Steene

RaNae Ellen Steene, age 64 of Northwood, IA,, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, surrounded by her family and love.

Born to Harold “Butch” and Sandy (Cafourek) Steene, RaNae grew up in Glenville, Minnesota, and graduated with the Glenville High School Class of 1980.

From the age of 15, RaNae was known for her remarkable work ethic. She dedicated 19 years to Ventura Foods and 16 years to Hormel Foods, forming many lifelong friendships that she dearly cherished throughout her life.

In May 1985, RaNae and Dennis Knaack welcomed their daughter, Ashley RaNae, who became the greatest joy of her life. Together, they shared countless adventures and unforgettable memories. These stories, even retold, brought tears of joy and laughter to the listeners.

RaNae found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved tending her flowers, caring for her lawn, and spending time at Six Mile Lake. An exceptional cook and baker, she expressed her love through every meal and treat she lovingly prepared and shared with others.

At the age of 44, RaNae was diagnosed with colon cancer. She faced surgery and treatments with courage and determination. Recovery led to a productive life until October of 2019 when complications developed leading to multiple hospitalizations, surgeries, and setbacks. Although health challenges eventually prevented her from working and into early retirement in 2019, they never diminished her generous spirit. She continued caring for others in every way she could.

Those who knew RaNae understood that she could be wonderfully stubborn. She stood firmly by her convictions, yet she was equally known for her loyalty, compassion, and willingness to help anyone in need. If you were fortunate enough to call her family or friend, you knew she would always stand beside you or behind you to have your back.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved daughter, Ashley RaNae Steene; her parents, Harold “Butch” and Sandy Steene; her sisters, Melanie (Curt) Aldrich and Emerlee (Bruce) Stilley; her lifelong special friend, Dennis Knaack; her nieces and nephews, Paige (Brian) Holmgren, Lauren (Peter) Berglund, Madison (Austin) Reed, Quentin Stilley, Olivia (Samuel) Kliment, Garrett (Alli) Aldrich, and Ellie (Kolton) Aldrich; great-nieces and a great-nephew Julia and Caroline Holmgren, John and Maven Berglund, and Elise Reed; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends from all decades of life. She was preceded in death by sister, Kayla Jo Steene, and her grandparents, Milo and Dorothy Cafourek, Orien and Ruth Sorbo, and Remore Steene.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Bonnerup Funeral Home in Albert Lea. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral service on Monday. A funeral service celebrating RaNae's life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Glenville, Minnesota. She will be laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time.

“A life filled with hard work, unwavering love, faithful friendship, and quiet acts of kindness 

will be remembered always by those who knew and loved RaNae.”

The service recording link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Service.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product.