Marianne K. Rakness , 91, Minot, died Friday, January 9, 2009 in her home.

Marianne was born June 12, 1917 at Minot, North Dakota, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Havlina) Kohoutek. She was raised on the family farm in Iota Flat Township of Ward County and attended country schools in the Max /Benedict area. She graduated from St. Mary's High School in Bismarck and was married for a short time to Joe Emmett.

During her younger years, she was employed at the Grand Hotel, Greyhound Bus Lunch counter, worked as a telephone operator for NSP and at American State Bank all in Minot and for Rohr Aircraft in San Diego during World War II. After living in Minot for a time, she moved back to California with her two sons, Joe and LeRey for several years, where she was employed at a bank in San Diego. She returned to Minot, and worked at Goldberg Furniture Store for several years, before accepting a position at the Minot Air Force Base as a bookkeeper in the Accounting and Finance Department.

Marianne was united in marriage to Arthur "Art" Rakness on July 29, 1965 at Minot. She retired from her position at the base in 1968. Art died May 5, 1994.

Marianne was a longtime member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot, where she was active in bible study groups. One of her greatest joys was to have traveled to the Holy Land. She enjoyed cooking and spending time in her garden.

Her loving family includes : sons, LeRey Emmett, San Diego, CA, Joe Emmet and his friend, Judy Wellman, Minot, Grandchildren, Theresa Lynn Channell, Joseph Michael Emmett, Roger Miles Emmett, Dianna Marie Helgeson and Brian Arthur Emmett, Ten Great-Grandchildren, Two Great-Great Grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Nancy Emmett, Marinette, WI, several nieces and nephews, and many friends, including, Francis Spitanik, Pat Messer and Millie Sorg.

Marianne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Art, ten brothers and sisters and two infant grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial : Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at Noon in St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Tuesday from 2:00-7:00p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, with recitation of the Rosary there Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.