Rachel Schmidt Benzel Flack

Rachel Flack 85, formerly of Tempe, AZ died Saturday, October 17, 2009 at Heritage Estates in Gering. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel with Pastor Paul Hebbert officiating. Interment will be at West Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the chapel. Tributes of sympathy may be sent to 600 16th Street, Gering, Nebraska 68341. Rachel was born April 17, 1924 in Loveland, CO to Henrich “Henry” and Mary Elizabeth Kampbell (Kembell) Schmidt. She was raised in Mitchell Valley and Gering where she attended school and played baseball. Rachel married Benjamin Benzel on November 30, 1941 and they raised 4 children. Rachel worked at Park Motel, Terry’s, Ben Franklin’s and Hested’s. She enjoyed sewing for many weddings, crocheting, singing and playing musical instruments. In 1974, she retired. She was a care giver to her husband during his battle with cancer. Ben died June 19, 1980. Upon turning 60, Rachel married Ted Flack in June 11, 1984. They then moved to Wheatridge, CO. Rachel and Ted enjoyed traveling to Army reunions. They were snow birds. In 1992, they moved to Arizona to make it their home enjoying the sun. After Ted’s death July 25, 1994, Rachel chose to stay in Arizona. She loved to go to the senior center, play bingo and occasionally hit those slots. Failing health brought Rachel back to the area where she lived at the Village. She was heartbroken to leave the sun shine, family and friends in Arizona. She had many friends and acquaintances. Rachel was the last living of her family. Survivors include her children: Mirriam (Ron) Clayborn of Torrington, Wy, Stan Benzel of Las Vegas, NV, Brenda (Ron) Bruntz of Gering and Ruth (John) Snelling of Anchorage, AK, and step daughter, LouAnn (Larry) Fraser of Scottsdale, AZ; two grandchildren, four great grandchildren, four step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren; sisters in law: Jane Schmidt of Lingle, Wy, Katherine Schmidt of Sidney, Hester Schmidt of Mitchell, Eshter Michels of Worland, Wy, Lillian Nazarenus of Scottsbluff; brother-in-law, George (Linda) Flack of Casper, Wy; sisters-in-law, Caroline Hamburg of Albany, GA, Darlene Amend of Kennewick, WA and Shirley Flack of Scottsbluff; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, infant sister, sister, Miriam, four brothers, Alfred, Joseph, LeRoy and Ralph; husbands, Ben and Ted and granddaughter, Sheila (Simpson) Kearns.