Bernice Genevieve Rabine, 98, of Sun City West, Arizona, formerly of Dexter, Minnesota, and Rochester, Minnesota, died Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center after a short illness.

Bernice was born to Clarence and Fern (Keller) Cooper on July 10, 1919, in Indian Valley Township, Tama County, Iowa. She attended Dexter Grade School and graduated from Elkton High School. On Dec 1, 1940, she married Melvin Rabine at her parents’ home in Dexter. Bernice worked as a postal clerk in Dexter, but is best known for helping her daughters and grandchildren with all kinds of things. She was always available. Everyday she was dressed up — we called her the princess; even in August of this year she came with strappy low-heel sandals that most of us could not maneuver in. She had hip surgery in April 2017 and we had to take away her trendy slacks and get her to wear some elastic, less tight-fitting slacks. Even the nurses talked about her dressed-up look. She was known for her great cooking and made buckets of her famous chicken salad for a granddaughter’s wedding. Even her dentist loved her chicken salad. You could always find a cookie or brownie in her kitchen or freezer. People lined up for her rhubarb torte. She taught us how to make freezer jam before she died and we can do it, but we aren’t so sure about the torte or chicken salad.

Bernice and Mel moved to Arizona in 2011. Mel died that same year. Bernice is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Gary) Smith of Rochester, and Lynette (Curt) Utpadel of Sun City West; five grandchildren, Mike (Jill) Smith, Heidi (Michael) Dieter, Mishawn (Dave) Kalkman, Jessica (Shane) Hudella, and Alysia (Nick) Zarbo; two stepgrandchildren, Curtis (Debra) Utpadel Jr., and Phillip (Samantha) Utpadel; 18 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Four of her eight siblings are alive, Dale (Bev) Cooper, Letty Budahn, Terry (Twilly) Cooper, and Daryle (Mary Ann) Cooper. A precious granddaughter, Tanya Howe, preceded her in death as well as four siblings, Evelyn (Dean) Robinson, Wayne and Lyall Cooper, and Venita Ballinger.

The memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017, at Dexter United Methodist Church with Pastor Jon Marburger and the Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale Jr., Senior Chaplain, Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel officiating. Burial will be in the Dexter Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before the service at the church. Lunch at the church will follow the service.

The family will give memorials to United Heroes League. This organization provides sports equipment and benefits to children of military personnel or please give to the organization of your choice.

Mahn Family Funeral Home – Rochester Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign the online guest book atwww.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.