Minnetonka, MN - Rae Huntington Pesek, 92 years young and loving mother of Kate, Julia, and Betsy, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026. She was preceded in death by her dear husband of 64 years (Cyril) Paul Pesek.

Rae was born in Minneapolis to George Ray Huntington and Marjorie Macmicking Huntington on December 17, 1933. She attended Burwell Elementary in Minnetonka and also West High School in Kenwood, where she originally met her future husband, Paul. After attending the University of Arizona and University of Minnesota, Rae married Paul, accompanying him to Fort Sill where he was serving in the U.S. Army. As young honeymooners, they enjoyed living in Boston while Paul attended Harvard Business School, after which they returned to Minnesota where they brought up their three daughters in Wayzata and Orono.

Rae loved her country and had a deep and lifelong dedication to community service and volunteered for many organizations including the Junior League, the American Cancer Society, St. Martin's by-the-Lake Episcopal Church, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. For over 50 years, Rae was a member of St. Martin's and enjoyed serving in many capacities, including on the Vestry.

With a talent for interior design, Rae became a realtor for Coldwell Banker Burnett for many years, winning multiple awards. As a realtor, Rae was committed to knowing every neighborhood and street, living by her motto "Never take the same route twice".

Rae was known for her wry personality, charming those around her with her quick wit, and cleverly delivered humor. She was elegant and stylish, in both personality and wardrobe.

Her many hobbies included gardening, cooking, golf, playing bridge, and appreciating the outdoors, including often walking the infamous trails that Paul created in the Big Woods adjacent to their house.

A talented chef, Rae loved swapping recipes with her friends in in various cooking clubs both in St. Louis and Wayzata, including her local club, Grand Forks. Rarely did she hire others to prepare meals for the frequent and festive dinner parties that she hosted with Paul. An avid gardener, Rae cultivated vibrant flower beds at their homes in Minnesota and St. Louis. She also cherished many years in the Minnetonka Garden Club.

In the 60s and 70s, Rae and her family loved to play golf and tennis at Minikahda Country Club. After a beloved five-year detour living in St. Louis where they made great friends, they moved back to Minnesota and joined Woodhill Country Club where they were active members the rest of their lives. Social connection was very important to Rae and it can't be overstated how important her friendships were to her throughout her life.

Rae is survived by her daughters, Kate Roski (Dudley), Julia Pesek, and Betsy Pesek, as well as grandsons Charlie Sackman and Henry Sackman (Natalie) and great granddaughter Penelope Rae Sackman, born April 15, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, and her sister, Jean Smith of Sun Valley, Idaho.

A celebration of Rae's life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Martins Episcopal Church, 2801 Westwood Road, Minnetonka Beach, MN. The family has requested that gifts be made in honor of Rae to St. Martin's, or Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.