Rachel Kaitala

Rachel Ann (Markegard) Kaitala, age 79, of Winona, MN, died Monday, February 26, 2024 at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.

Rachel was born July 28, 1944, in Rushford, MN, the daughter of Kenneth and Lillian (Maland) Markegard. She graduated from Rushford High School in 1962. She was united in marriage to Dennis Anderson in 1962, and to this union one daughter Julie, and one son Brian were born. The couple later divorced. She remarried Carroll Tudahl, and the couple had one son, Ronald Tudahl. The couple later divorced. 

Rachel worked for SEMCAC in Rushford for several years. She also worked for Tri-County Electric in Rushford. The remainder of her career was spent at Xcel energy, until her retirement. 

Rachel enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved vanilla ice cream cones, and all animals with a special fondness for cats. Rachel treasured beautiful sunny days spent taking a scenic drive to Preston or Rushford to visit her sisters, Jane and Margaret, and their families. Rachel shared many coffee dates with her girlfriends. She kept a clean and tidy  home, with everything in its place. She was a member of Central Lutheran Church in Winona, and the Eunice Circle. She loved books and was an avid reader. Rachel held a special place in her heart for each of her nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered and missed for her beautiful laughter. Despite not being able to talk for the last couple years, she was still able to share her laughter with the world.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Rick) Galewski of Winona, and son, Ron Tudahl of Silver Lake, MN; sisters, Jane (Richard) Klompenhauer of Preston, and Margaret Boehmke of Winona; many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Rachel is preceded in death by her parents; son, Brian Anderson; and sister, Louise Ellefson.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Anne's 2nd floor and Winona Health Hospice for their wonderful care.

A visitation will be held Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1 - 3pm at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Winona.