Rachel Navis

Rachel Navis, age 92, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at The Christian Home.

Born on August 10, 1933, in Alto, Rachel was the first born daughter of Elmer and Harriet (Veleke) VanBuren. She became her siblings’ caregiver at age 15 following the passing of her mother, who died of polio. This early experience of responsibility shaped her nurturing spirit, which would continue to define her throughout her life.

Rachel met the love of her life, Wesley Navis, and they were united in marriage on November 9, 1956, at Alto Reformed Church. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family and faith. Rachel was an integral part of their family businesses "Navis Trucking” and "Navis Mini-Warehousing”, diligently managing phone calls and bookkeeping while raising their family. Her unwavering support, trustworthiness and quiet strength made her the rock of the family. A devoted member of Bethel Christian Reformed Church and a supporter of CWC, Rachel's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She cherished her community and was known for her warmth and kindness. She showed her love by serving others. In retirement, Rachel enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona with Wes, where they created lasting memories. She was a devoted attendee at the Alto Fair, never missing a single fair.

Rachel's hobbies included gardening, ceramics and quilting. She found joy in spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, and loved engaging in puzzles and playing card games with her friends. She loved trips to Tuttle Lake and Green Lake Conference Center where she enjoyed camping, boating and relaxing with her family.

Rachel is survived by her children, Julie (Ron) Los, Dennis (Linda) Navis, Pat (Tom) Jonker, Gail (Kurt) Neevel, and Jean (Eric) Lerum; her 17 grandchildren, including Jillian (Tom) Cannon, Jenna (Wes) Wille, Rebecca (Dave) Phillips, Jeffrey (Jen) Navis, Stacey (Dan) Lavelle, Matthew (Jenn) Navis, Rachel (Nate) Rupprecht, Anna (Franklin) Vasquez, Laura, Luke, and Elizabeth Jonker, Jennifer (Adam) Nisler, Derek (Stephanie) Neevel, Jessica (Adam) Latella, Brayden, Natalie, and Samuel Lerum; as well as 28 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Rachel is also survived by her siblings, Paul (Fay) VanBuren, Nelda (Kurt) Schreiber, Donna (Jim) Schmuhl, and sister-in-law Joyce VanBuren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley, in 2013; her parents; her sister Agnes (Ron) Wells; her brother Earl VanBuren; and her infant sister Gladys.

Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church in Waupun with Kurt Ritsema officiating. Burial will follow at Alto Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 5-7 p.m. and on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, as a memorial please consider making a donation to Central Wisconsin Christian School or Youth for Christ, the Union in Waupun.