Rebecca "Becky" Ann Waara

Rebecca "Becky" Ann Waara, 67, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday September 12, shortly after 9:00am after a several year long battle with breast cancer. Becky was born to Allen and Liela Carlson in Houston, MN on November 17, 1958, the fifth of six children - Marsha Benson, Norma (Gary) Elliot, Jeff (Chris) Carlson, Randy (Pat) Carlson, & Barb (Charlie) Vix.

Becky was a dedicated employee of Mayo Clinic throughout much of her life. She started as a medical secretary and retired in December 2025 as the contract manager in the College of Medicine & Science. Prior to her retirement, Becky was honored with the Karis award, a prestigious award honoring a small select group of individuals who embody Mayo Clinic's values surrounding excellence, stewardship, teamwork, and compassion - all of which Becky strived to embody in and out of the workplace.

Becky had a lifelong passion for supporting cancer research, from participating in research studies (which was how she found that her cancer had returned in 2022) to dedicating years of her life to organizing the Olmsted County Relay for Life event every year. Volunteering was always close to Becky's heart as she also took on a coordinator role for the Sunday Lunch Program through Rochester Catholic Church, stepping down only a few weeks before her passing.

Becky was a dedicated wife & mother, which some may say was where her love shined through most. Becky is survived by her husband of 37 years, Mike, who was by her side as she passed, and her three children, Carly (35), Rob (33), and Nick (32), as well as many family members & friends - including dozens of cousins, nieces/nephews & grand-nieces/nephews with whom she was very close. Becky leaves behind a legacy of faith, dedication, compassion and a zeal for living life to the absolute fullest.

Services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Pax Christi Church, 4135 18th Avenue NW. Visitation begins at 10:00am, with service at 11:00am. The family is requesting donations to be made to The American Cancer Society in Becky's name, in lieu of flowers.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Waara family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.