Obit: Winneshiek, Rachel (1842? - 1938)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Winneshiek, Garvin, Stucki

----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 21 April 1938

Winneshiek, Rachel (1842? - 19 April 1938)

Mrs. Rachel Winneshiek, 96, an Indian woman of the town of Levis, passed away Tuesday. The funeral was held Wednesday at 1:30.

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----Sources: Neillsville Press (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 28 April 1938

Mrs. Rachel Winneshiek, 96 year old Indian mother, passed away at her home at Dells Dam Tuesday, April 19, 1938.

Mrs. Winneshiek was born in La Crosse County and after the Indian lands were ceded to the United States government she traveled with her tribe to Dakota and Nebraska in search of a new home. Returning to Wisconsin, she settled near Black River Falls. She is survived by two children Richard Winneshiek and Mrs. Geo. Garvin. Her husband died about 25 years ago.

Although she had been blind for many years, Rachel never lost interest in her life, nor did her friends and relatives lose faith in her judgment. She was possessed of a forceful personality, ever active, yet gentle and kindly in manner and was sought out as an advisor by the Indians in her community.

She took a keen interest in the Indian school and its progress, and delighted in the frequent calls of Rev. Ben Stucki, who as well as spiritual comfort. A granddaughter, Ann Winneshiek, worked on the staff of the school for six years and a grandson, John is still employed there.

Funeral services were held at Dells Dame Wednesday afternoon at 1:30, conducted by Rev. Stucki, the Indian ceremonials being in charge of her brother, Geo. Funmaker, of Black River Falls. Burial took place in the Dells Dame Indian Cemetery. There was a large attendance, most of the Indian school staff and some of the pupils being present.