Jenny M. Rye, 86

Published 10:36 am Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Memorial services for Jenny M. Rye will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. She passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services.

Jenny Rye

Jenny was born in Mapleton on Nov. 15, 1925, to Phillip and Gladys (Bolinger) Felber. The second of nine children, Jenny and her siblings were raised in the Wells, Easton area and Grand Meadow on farms where Jenny loved to ride horses. The family then moved to Albert Lea where she got her first job at Ma’s Café. Jenny also worked at Coffee Cup and Munsingwear and spent 29 years working for District 241 in the cafeteria where she became “Grandma” to so many students over the years. She loved her work and enjoyed all the students and staff. Jenny also enjoyed traveling with family and being a member of the Eagles, Elks and Falcon Motorcycle Club.

On Nov. 3, 1951, Jenny was united in marriage to LaVerne P. Rye at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. To this union three children were born, Debra Rye of Roseville, the late Dennis Rye, and Dawn (Darwin) Engelby of Albert Lea. She was proud of her family and loved to talk about her four granddaughters who were all born in October; Amy Rye (Joe Avelar) of Austin, Amber Engelby of Hopkins, Heather (Adam) Quimby of Glenville and Sara Engelby (Ryan Schulz) of Albert Lea, from whom she was blessed with six great-grandchildren.

Jenny is survived by her daughters Debra and Dawn; sisters: Joyce Burke of Rochester, Betty Hendrickson of Albert Lea, Dory (Gene) Frost of Rochester; brothers: David (Benita) Felber of Enid, Okla., Jim Felber of Albert Lea, Dick (Jeanie) Felber of Red Wing. She is also survived by four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son and siblings Albert Felber and Darlene Faber, along with her mother and father in-law, brothers in-law, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank all the wonderful staff at St. John’s with whom she became friends. She enjoyed spending time with and sharing her stories with all of you. Jenny was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all.

Bonnerup Funeral Service of Albert Lea is in charge of arrangements.