Rachel Hanson

Rachel E. Hanson, 81, of Madelia, died on June 25, 2025, at Madelia Health in Madelia.

Visitation will be on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Bethel Church in Madelia and will continue on Tuesday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at the church. Funeral service will be held at Bethel Church in Madelia on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 11:00 am. The clergy will be the Rev. Larry Johnson. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Madelia. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Rachel was born April 6, 1944, to Orville and Mildred (Eeg) Hovelson in Ada, Minnesota. She attended school in Ada, except in 5th and 6th grade she lived in Montana. He mother was her teacher at the country school where she attended which was a defining time of her life. She developed a love of reading and writing which carried throughout her life.

In 1966, Rachel graduated from college and in July of that year, she married Ronald Hanson. Rachel taught English and Speech to high school students while Ron attended seminary. Rachel also had the opportunity of directing several plays through the years including her favorites, Cheaper by the Dozen, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and her last and best play, The Miracle Worker.

Rachel also had the privilege and honor of writing a column for six weekly newspapers where she took the opportunity to share the Gospel wrapped in humor and common sense.

Rachel is survived by her husband of 59 wonderful years, Ron; daughters, Beth (John) Goodburn of Madelia, Heidi Clobes, Naomi Chayer of North Mankato; son-in-law, Pat Clark; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Sarah Clark.