August 21, 1926 – December 18, 2025
Alden Bruce “Baldy” Rabey, who celebrated his 99th birthday last August surrounded by friends and family will not be celebrating his 100th as he had hoped. He died peacefully at his home in Knife River on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Born in St. Paul, MN, on August 21, 1926, to Joseph and Marie (Jensen) Rabey. He grew up on the family farm in Knife River, the youngest of seven children. At the age of 17, Alden joined the Merchant Marines which allowed him to travel the world and serve in WWII. A few years later he joined the Army and fought in Korea. After returning home, he met Vera, a pretty, young waitress at the Wonderland Supper Club. They were happily married for 60 years before Vera passed away in 2018. During his lifetime, Alden worked as a 3rd Mate on the ore boat, Joseph H. Frantz, as a railroad engineer for the DM & IR while also managing a successful family landscaping business, North Shore Sod & Greenhouse. When needed, he supplemented the family income with commercial fishing, logging, carpentry and truck driving. One of his most memorable jobs was excavating what was to become the Knife River Marina!
As one of the oldest life-long residents of the Knife River community, he had many stories to share. In his later years, Alden looked forward to things he always enjoyed, like getting fresh fishcake batter from Mark Torgersen, cookouts with family at “the lake”, watching favorite TV shows, sunsets from the deck, visits with his storage renters, and sightseeing trips in the RV.
He is fondly remembered by his five children and their spouses; Bruce (Marie) Rabey, Kathy (Dale) Moe, Therese Lorntson, Diane (Gregorio) Elia, and Valerie (John) Haydon; his grandchildren, Fabian (Kirsten Parent) Basina, Angel (Matt) Lundblad, Donatello Elia, Sabrina Elia, Andrea Rose, and Kyle Rabey; and his great-grandchildren, Martin, Sofia, Stella and Bennett.
We extend our special thanks to Teresa Salakka and the Moments hospice team for their love and caring support of our Dad. As per his wishes, he has been cremated and will be interred with Vera at a later date.
