Rachel D. Olofson, age 71, of Freedom passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, December 25, 2020. Rachel was born on January 25, 1949 daughter of the late Melvin and Almira (Willey) LaFond. She met John Olofson “string bean” at the Queen Bee restaurant and they were married on November 6, 1982. Rachel was a standout waitress for many years at The Heiting Place where she made lifelong friendships. After she retired from The Heiting Place she then worked at the Leap In, helping in any way she could.
It's impossible to think of Rachel without mentioning her love of the outdoors, from enjoying her yard, carefully tending her beloved garden, and feeding all the birds that came to depend on her. Her love of animals ran deep, growing up surrounded by the ones she grew to love. Among them were horses and chickens, not to mention many family pets like Punkin, who survives her. Animals were like family to her, and spending time with family was another of her favorite things. From the 4th of July, family vacations to Crandon, Easter egg hunts, family game nights and of course, Christmas, she cherished her time with family like nothing else. Those who knew her closely remember her many other loves, such as music, woodworking, fishing with her brother Rene', an “occasional” beer, and riding with the Hell’s Angels.
Rachel is survived by her children: Bobby (Jennifer) Johnson, Reneen (Dan) Johnson; grandchildren: R.J. (Cheyanne) Wellner, Jacob “Jakey” Wellner; siblings: Roberta (Roger) Jezeski, and Rene’ LaFond. She is also survived by step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Elizabeth (Andy) Watters, and their children, Joey, Brandi and Rylee; John Koester, Dylan Koester and a special son-in-law, Randy Wellner.
Rachel is preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, a brother, Rodrick and a special nephew, Michael Jezeski.
A gathering and Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom. Masks and Social Distancing will be required.
The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed on the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home facebook page beginning at 6:00 p.m. For online condolences, please visit: www.verkuilenfh.com.
Special mention must be made to those who helped her and her family through the recent hardships, including these, and many more people; Susie, Mary Lou, Mike & Tracy Geiger, Kristi and Vickie, her caretaker.
Rachel will be missed by more people than could ever be named, and lives on in the hearts of those who had the luck to know her, and her compassion.
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