Rachel E. Besonen

EWEN, Mich. — Rachel E. Besonen, 88, of Ewen, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, while spending the summer in her beloved home in Ewen.

Rachel was born Dec. 8, 1931, in Tilden Township to John and Hilma (Honkala) Juntila. She married Robert Besonen of Trout Creek in National Mine on Oct. 17, 1953.

Rachel was a graduate of National Mine High School class of 1949. Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University in 1961. She was first employed as an elementary school teacher by the Trout Creek School District. She went on to work for Ewen, Bergland and Ewen-Trout Creek school districts before she retired from her 35-year career.

Rachel enjoyed gardening, homemade foods, and canning. She was also very much involved in the U.P. arts and crafts festivals. Rachel was a longtime member and choir member of First Lutheran Church of Ewen.

After retirement, she and Robert enjoyed several trips to Hawaii and Finland. They also motorhome traveled to spend winters in Texas with family.

Rachel is survived by two sons, Rodney (Marnie) Besonen of Marquette, and Robert (Wendy) Besonen of Green Bay, Wisconsin; and one daughter, Rosena Gerometta of Tyler, Texas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, John (Lindsey) Besonen of Ishpeming, Tony (Erin) Gerometta of Arp, Texas, and Nicholas (Valorie) Gerometta of Tyler, Texas. She is further survived by great-grandchildren, Gavin and Eli Gerometta; a brother, Harry Juntila of Port Orchard, Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage; her sister, Irja (Percy) Olmsted; and brothers, Sulo (Barbara) Juntila and Elmer (Shirley) Juntila.

A graveside service is being held on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 11 a.m., at the Evergreen Cemetery in Ewen. Pastor Kay Richter will be officiating.

Arrangements are being made by Cane Funeral Home Bruce Crossing Chapel.