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Rachwal, Florence M.

Florence M. Rachwal, age 89, New London, passed away at her home on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, surrounded by her family.

Florence was born on January 16, 1926 in Wauwatosa, daughter of the late Henry and Martha (Dunkle) Grobe. She grew up in Big Bend on a vegetable farm. On October 18, 1947, she married Stanley Rachwal in Big Bend. Florence and Stanley farmed in Waukesha County until 1971, they then purchased a farm outside of New London; Florence never formally retired. She was the founder of the New London chapter of Wisconsin Women of Agriculture and past president from 1975-1979. Florence was a public speaker for Today’s Women in Agriculture doing radio broadcast, TV appearances, and speaking at many conventions. She served as the Chairman of Waupaca County Fair Booth, farm progress booth, state fair, Farm Open Barn, WDUX Farm Show, and Fox Valley Tech. Florence set up an educational program for the Four Food Groups at 48 public and parochial schools in Waupaca County and Hortonville. Florence was Wisconsin Women in Agriculture historian from 1994-1997, collecting years of clippings and photos and received a state award in 1997. She was the 1st public relations chairman 1976-1977 and then the news release chairman from 1978-1979, mailing out over 1400 convention letters to members and media. Florence served on many other agriculture committees and numerous other clubs. She enjoyed photography, cooking, canning gardening, flower gardens, watching and caring for the birds, tending her rose bushes and watching Lawrence Welk.

She is survived by her children: Rebecca (Walter) Wiedrich, Roberta “Robbie” Rachwal, Steven Rachwal, Stewart Rachwal, Steffan Rachwal and Sterling Rachwal; two granddaughters, Bobbie Jo Trambauer (special friend, Bob Jarchow) and Rachel (Steve) McKeever; great-granddaughter, Kayla Trambauer. She is further survived by a brother Raymond Grobe and a sister Jeannette Katzman, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Stanley, and a sister Audrey Grobe.

Funeral services for Florence will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Greg Watling officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.

The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

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