Rachel Vivian Eutsler
I first met Rachel at Wright Elementary School in the fall of l969 or 1970. She came each week to teach violin and I was teaching elementary art. Several of us often ate lunch together. Little did we know that in 1973 I would be marrying her relative, Norman, who she kept saying one of us should meet. Well, she didn't introduce us, but Norman and I met anyway. I always enjoyed get-togethers with Rachel, Phil and Gael, as well as her father Holmer. One of the treats at her house was ice cream, served on small red glass plates with nuts and whole wheat crackers. Rachel was a good friend for over 37 years.
We have often said Rachel never complained during her battle with Parkinson's. I do remember her saying, "Pray for me", with a quiet resolve,
Karol Toland
Cedar Rapids
IA
I knew Rachel for forty years, beginning when she, with her husband Fred, and with their children, Phillip and Gael, moved to Cedar Rapids, IA from Sherman, TX. Rachel was a first cousin of my father Glenn Toland. (Glenn's mother, Rosa Rosenberger Toland was a sister of Rachel's father, Homer Rosenberger). I remember Rachel as a neighbor as much as her being related. During her later years as a resident in nursing homes, she was appreciative of anything that was done on her behalf. I think that she must have touched many lives through her musical talent on the violin. She taught in many different parts of the country, and later was a member of the Cedar Rapids Symphony for twenty-two years.
Her own recollections of her and her family's experiences even prior to living in Cedar Rapids continue to live on in my memory.
Norman Toland
Cedar Rapid
IA
Norman Toland
IA
Dale & Nell Wilson
Crocker
MO
Greetings,
Though I may not have been as close to my Grandma Rachel as I am to my other grandmother (considering that Iowa is a bit of a distance from here), I do have fond memories of going to Cedar Rapids a few times, and, every time, we went to visit her. I always enjoyed it, and I will never forget what I still remember of those times, and cherish those memories. Thank you all.
Colin Wilson
Springfield
MO
Gael I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I am going to think of it as her graduation into Heaven. I always admired your mom for her life and they way she lived it and of course for her music. I love you honey. May God bless you with peace and wonderful memories. Please feel our hugs from N.H.
Cynthia J. Clyde
Merrimack
NH
Gael,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have many great memories of your mom. I remember the times at your house as kids when you and your mom would play together when I was there. Sometimes you on the piano and her on the strings. Funny how you two never let me play.
Those are the memories we will cherish for years to come. All my love
Terri
Terri (Connel) Clyde
Merrimack
NH
Hello,
I am Mack, Rachel's son-in-law. Eventhough I didn't know Rachel very well I can never thank her enough for the most precious gift I have ever received in my life, her daughter Gael. For this, I will be forever grateful.
Mack Evans
Springfield
MO
My sincere sympathy on the passing of Rachel. I knew both Rachel and Fred when Fred was teaching at Coe. I met them at Coe while I was working with Dr. John A Wilkinson, who was Dean of Students at the time. They were both very kind. I appreciated them so very much.
nadene roberts
cedar rapids
IA
Dear Gael and family: Praying God will see you through this sadness you now bear and give you the assurance that you're always in His care. Remembering you in your loss with deepest sympathies.
John & Jeanette Thorp
We are sorry we could not attend the services and be part of the family there.
John Thorp
Sebring
FL
Dear Gael and Family, I regret that I could not be on hand to share in your mother's funeral service and to meet you and your family after many, many years. I am the daughter of Uncle John Rosenberger who lived in Cedar Falls and was the brother of your grandfather, Homer Rosenberger. When you and the rest of your family came to visit us in Cedar Falls in the early to mid 60's, you and Philip were young and I'll never forget how crazy you two were about the Beatles. You were over the moon! It tickled me because I hardly knew who they were, coming from the Elvis era. Be that as it may, you must have thought there was no end to the Rosenberger relatives while growing up. I didn't get to see your mother much while I was growing up as she was living in other parts of the country, but I always knew what an accomplished musician she was and you inherited that great talent from her. Last March or April my first cousin, Lois Craig, and I drove over to visit Rachel while visiting the DeGraff's in Van Horn. We talked while Lois helped her eat some ice cream. She kept looking and pointing at my shoes and finally said something about holes. I was wearing my Croc shoes and she must have been wondering why I would want to wear shoes with holes in them. That she was still mentally sharp at times, there was no doubt. It was good to connect with her again. Hold close to your fond memories, Gael, and may God give you His peace that passes all understanding. Sincerely, Susannah