Rena Cerbin

Cerbin, Rena Mae 8/14/1926 - 11/23/2020 Rena Mae (Thompson) Cerbin, age 94, passed away peacefully of natural causes on November 23, 2020. She was born on August 14, 1926, in Bradish, Boone County, Nebraska, and her parents were Carl and Alice (Anderson) Thompson. She grew up with a close relationship with her brother Donald Thompson. They were both predeceased by their brother, Richard Odene who was stillborn before they were born. Her family moved from the farm to the town of Albion, where she enjoyed a large extended family; and their home was frequented with many relatives coming and going and lots of laughter. After graduating from high school, Rena attended Dana College for a year before working at Western Union. This led her to live in Seattle, Washington before transferring to Chicago, where she met her husband-to-be at a big band dance hall. They always shared that this was "love at first sight". On July 31, 1948, Rena was united in marriage with Frank P. Cerbin in Evergreen Park, Illinois. They were married for 68 years until his death in 2017. Shortly after their marriage they located to Colorado after enjoying their honeymoon at Idaho Springs in the mountains. They lived many happy years in Denver, Colorado, raising their children, having wonderful friends, and enjoying many adventures up in the mountains. When they moved to Michigan, Rena was active in garden and bridge clubs, and loved sewing beautiful clothes and creating special doll clothes for her grandchildren and many other little girls across the country. She began working at the Kalamazoo County Court in 1970, and in 1981 she served as Assistant Juvenile Court Register in the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Court until she retired in 1989. Rena brought her special touches to making a warm and welcoming atmosphere at her workplace. She was famous for bringing in a warm oatmeal cake in the morning and surprising her colleagues. She also added to a festive environment when children were being adopted, putting together little gifts for each of the children. Rena's love and dedication to her family was never-ending, and she was always thoughtful and generous with her friends. Rena was one of those very special people who had the most caring heart, and she found such joy in giving. Her delicious meals and holiday celebrations will never be forgotten, and she was an angel to everyone's life she touched. She will always be remembered as the kindest, sweetest and loving person. She was also fun-loving and always smiling with her friends and family. In her later years, she enjoyed making beautiful cross stich pictures for each of her children and grandchildren. Their intricate beauty, along with her caring attention and joy in giving these will be cherished forever. Rena is survived by her children, Mary Anderson (Bill Knapper) and Paul (Jan) Cerbin, four grandchildren, Jason (Cristina), Kristine (Chris), Jeanette (Andrew), Lindsey (William); seven great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Rena's private graveside service was conducted at Blessed Sacrament Cemetery in Allegan, Michigan on December 01, 2020. Memorials can be made to St. Margaret's Church, Otsego, Michigan.