Rachel Lawson, 61, Albert Lea

Published 10:35 am Thursday, August 1, 2013

A graveside service will be held for Rachel L. (Stromley) Lawson will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Somber Lutheran Cemetery in Lake Mills.

Rachel Louise Lawson died in her home surrounded by family on the morning of Monday, July 29, 2013. She was 61 years old.

Rachel Lawson

Rachel was born on Oct. 24, 1951, to Kristian and Viola (Nelson) Stromley in Meltonville, Iowa. As a child, she grew up in the northern Iowa area and attended Somber Christian Day School. Eventually, she moved to Albert Lea in 1978. On Aug. 19, 1995, Rachel was united in marriage to Gary Lawson.

Rachel was very good with her hands, and she loved crafting, woodworking, quilting, painting and drawing. She was a person that would always keep people on their toes. She was a very determined woman and would always find a way to get things accomplished. Rachel was the most caring person one could meet, always looking out for the people that were close to her. She also had a love for animals and motorcycle riding. Most of all, Rachel loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One’s left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Gary Lawson; daughters, Bobbi Jo (Rob) Gilbertson and Katie VonHagen; grandchildren, Jesse Gilbertson, Jaimie (Derek) Holtzleicer and Caycee Gilbertson; great-grandchildren, Hayden Gilbertson and Jaime and Derek have a son on the way; brothers, Rueben, Wayne (Linda), Mike (Donna) and Rodney (Wilma); sisters, Barb (George) Smith-Marson and Marge (Dean) Saathoff; as well as many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Rachel is preceded in death by her parents, Kristian and Viola Stromley; six brothers; four sisters; a nephew; and a brother in-law.

Rachel was loved by many people and will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.