Rachel E. Batchelder Obituary (1948 - 2013)

Rachel E. Batchelder, age 64 of Menomonie (Irvington), WI died unexpectedly, Friday, February 8, 2013 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire surrounded by family. Rachel was born October 31, 1948 in Eau Claire, WI to Alvin and Elaine (Bartilson) Froiland. She worked at The Colfax Nursing Home for almost ten years as a Support Staff. In February of 1981, Rachel made "her dream trip" by visiting the "Holy Land" and oh, what an inspiration it was for her. Rachel married Larry Batchelder on October 6, 1984 at New Hope Lutheran Church in Sand Creek. She began her new life as a stay at home wife and she and Larry enjoyed storing and stacking wood for the long winters. She was involved with the Beaver Creek Homemakers and was very active in Peace Lutheran Church and was also a member of New Hope's, Downsville, Circle. Rachel was very talented and she loved to knit. She used or gave her beautiful knitting to others. She was a dedicated gardener. She had the most beautiful flower gardens around and she would reap the harvest from her vegetable garden and with Larry's help can, can, can. In her down time, she would enjoy watching Jeopardy and Wheel Of Fortune. She was so very proud of her daughter and her granddaughter. Rachel is survived by her loving husband, Larry of Irvington; one daughter, Mary (Tyler) Wayne of Menomonie; granddaughter, Kayla; her mother, Elaine Froiland of Bloomer; six siblings, John (Bonnie) Froiland, Ruth (Dave) Baldry, Paul (Kathy) Froiland, Daniel (Yvonne) Froiland, James (Diane) Froiland and Becky Giammona; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Alvin. Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2013 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with Pastor Dave Whelan officiating. Burial will follow the service at Cedar Falls Cemetery, Red Cedar Township, Dunn County, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and also one hour prior to services at the church. Olson Funeral Home of Menomonie is serving the family.