Rachel Gerle

Sierra Vista, Ariz.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Rachel Ann Gerle of Sierra Vista, Arizona. She passed away on September 21st, 2024, at 73. Rachel was born in Tacoma, Washington, to the late Lester and Ann Kunkel on May 6th, 1951. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Robin) Gerle and Chad Gerle, daughter, JoDee (Jeff) Toler, sisters, Donna (Lenny) Noyes, Debra Kunkel, Judy (Dwight) Holen, Rose (Phil) Johnson, Sharon (John) Gerle, brothers, Dennis (Nancy) Kunkel, Francis Gerle, grandchildren, Joseph Gerle, Zach Dean, Isaac Hollow Horn Bear, David Gerle, Brandon Gerle, Michael Gerle, Logan Dean, Annalyce Gerle, CaylyAnne Gerle, RhiAnnon Gerle, Gabriella Dean, Grace Gerle, Olivia Gerle, Hannah Covington, Sydney Toler, Allyson Toler, and Madison Toler, and great-grandchildren, Guillermo, Brogan, Roman, Thea, Godrick, Rosalee, Isaiah, Jaya and Jace. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends who were considered family. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Gerle, her parents, sisters Barb Rostad and Kathleen Kunkel, brother, John Gerle, father-in-law, Ben Gerle, and mother-in-law, Alice Gerle.

Rachel married Joe in December 1969, and spent the next 35 years on an adventure with him. His military and civilian careers took them all over the world where they made forever friends everywhere. Rachel was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to everyone. Throughout her life, she did many things, but her favorite things to do were to spoil children and travel. She was proud of her family, including the friends she considered family.

Rachel’s Internment is at Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.. Following, there will be a celebration of life at Thunder Mountain Church located at 4300 E Golden Acres Dr, in Sierra Vista on Friday, September 27th, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. The family asks anyone wishing to attend this celebration to dress in colorful clothing to represent Rachel’s personality. In lieu of flowers, send donations to Cochise Oncology Foundation or The Forgach House.

The family would like to thank Southwest Cancer Care and their staff for their dedication to the care of our mom. We would also like to give a special thanks to her special friend, Janet, her friend/chauffeur/caretaker/support person, and anything else that was needed.

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 26, 2024.