Rachel Ruth Sellnow

MADISON - Rachel Ruth Sellnow of Madison, Wis., was taken home to heaven by Jesus her Savior on May 13, 2024, at the age of 68. Rachel was born on April 9, 1956, in Rapid City, S.D., to Rev. Donald and Ruth (Ebert) Sellnow. She was baptized by her father at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She would later be confirmed in the truths of the Christian faith at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wis., on March 22, 1970. Her confirmation verse sums up her hope in her Savior and the eternal life he promises: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Rachel was active in her life of faith at various Lutheran churches over the years, including St. Mark’s in Watertown, Our Redeemer in Madison, and in her final years at Holy Cross in Madison.

Rachel’s faith in Jesus her Savior was evident in a life of service to her family and in her service at work and in church. God’s forgiveness and promise of heaven gave her confidence even as she battled cancer for the last two years of her life.

Rachel was a 1974 graduate of Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, Wis. She later attended college in Madison. Rachel worked for the State of Wisconsin for many years including about two decades at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Her long service was met with appreciation by her coworkers and commendation by Governor Tony Evers at her retirement last year.

Rachel was a loving and devoted mother to sons, Jasper and Griffith. She sacrificed much to raise them on her own and gave them both love, support, and spiritual encouragement throughout her life. She dearly loved her grandchildren (and grandpets!) and made sure the people in her life knew she remembered them. She was always quick with her wit and ready to offer a kind word or note of encouragement to family and friends.

Rachel was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Cynthia Sellnow. She is survived by her sons, Jasper (Sarah) Sellnow of Glendale, Ariz., and Griffith Sellnow of Hoffman Estates, Ill.; grandchildren, Logon, Xaris, Josiah, Miriam and Elianna Sellnow; as well as siblings, David (Ellen) Sellnow of New Ulm, Minn.; Elizabeth (David) Saskowski of Franksville, Wis., and Mark (Julie) Sellnow of Plover, Wis. She is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews, Hannah Sellnow, Rhyomi Sellnow, Silas Sellnow, Kyrie Sellnow, and Benjamin Sellnow. She is further survived by extended family including cousins and grand-nieces and nephews.

A Christian funeral will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Interment will follow the service at EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CEMETERY, Watertown. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Rachel’s name to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.

Rachel’s family would like to thank those who offered her care and kindness at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. They also extend their thanks to the pastors of Holy Cross, Mark Bartels and Piet Van Kampen, for their encouragement and spiritual care for Rachel especially as her life on earth drew to a close.

So says the Lord Jesus Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:24-25

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420