Raynelle E. Blech
February 9, 1944 - April 16, 2021
        

Raynelle Blech passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021, at the age of 77, surrounded by her family to whom she gave so much love.

Raynelle grew up in Manchester, Iowa in a close-knit family with her mother Mary, father Royce, and sisters Barbara and Janet, whom she remained close to her entire life. She was also close to her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews all of whom have fond memories of her kindness and love.  She attended Manchester High School where she played clarinet in the high school band, sang in the choir, and performed in high school talent shows and plays.  Raynelle married Ron Blech in 1963 and moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1966, where Ron attended the University of Northern Iowa. She carried on her love for music in Cedar Falls by singing with a chorale group.  In 1968, Raynelle started working at Sampson’s Card & Camera Shop, where she framed paintings and sold cameras and high-end stereo systems, while raising her son, Rob, and her daughter Jean.  She had an innate ability to assemble, repair, or decipher any electronic gadget, and could also take a roll of duct tape and cardboard boxes and create a ship for a four-year-old pirate.

In 1987 she and Ron moved to Delafield, Wisconsin, later settling in Oconomowoc. Raynelle loved Wisconsin’s beautiful lakes and trees, and even the snow (most of the time).  She enjoyed summers spent in Door County at the beach with her husband, children and grandchildren, and time spent at home with Ron and their beloved dogs, Max, Nick, and later Spencer.

Raynelle worked at State Farm Insurance and later became a licensed insurance agent until serious health issues forced her retirement.

She loved her grandchildren and showered them with affection and support.  She was always quick to pull out a toy, art materials or whatever made a child happiest. Raynelle also enjoyed reading, and read several books per week while maintaining a spotless house, hosting holidays, festive birthday celebrations, family meals, and generally spoiling her entire family.

In addition to reading, she loved animals, especially dogs. From dachshunds to airedales she loved and cared for each one with the same affection and devotion she gave the children in her life. 

Plagued by many health challenges in the last six years of her life, she faced them with humor, perseverance, and determination.  She never gave up and was her families’ touchstone until the day she went into hospice. 

Her practical sensible nature made her the person to whom anyone could turn when they had a problem.  Her nurturing character and steadfast support of all those she loved meant she was always helping and caring for her family and friends, while asking for very little for herself.  She touched so many people with her humor, love, and kindness that she died with more friends than we will ever know.

Raynelle is survived by her husband Ron, her children Rob Blech (Mary Stewart Miller), and Jean Shonkwiler (Norm Shonkwiler), her grandchildren Alex Jostad, Katie Shonkwiler, Royce Blech, and Sarah Shonkwiler. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 starting at 3:00 PM with sharing of memories at 6:00 PM, at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, Oconomowoc. Burial will be Friday April 23, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the LaBelle Cemetery in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers memorials in Raynelle's name to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center would be appreciated.