Linda K. Raychel

Linda K. (Hansen) Raychel, 51, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at the University of Michigan Health Systems in Ann Arbor after a tremendous battle with cancer which gave her peace (or a passage) into an Eternal Home.

She was born March 13, 1956 the daughter of Richard L. Hansen and Joanne E. (Knoll) Hansen in Battle Creek, MI.

Linda began her career at the First of America Bank until moving into the agency manager position of her father's insurance agency named the Financial Services Center where she was a tremendous success for the company. Linda worked for the past six years as the purchasing supervisor with YOROZU. Previously, she was a documentation specialist for 11 years at Denso.

She married her sweetheart Paul Lawrence Raychel on January 6, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

She is survived by her husband: Paul L. Raychel of Battle Creek; her parents: Richard L. and Joanne E. Hansen of Bedford, MI; paternal grandmother: Frances Hansen; her son: Brad Eplee of Battle Creek, MI; two stepsons: Adam P. Raychel and Christopher J. Raychel both of Milwaukee, WI; her stepdaughter: Shannon M. and Brad Bodart of Milwaukee; two brothers: Roy and Marilyn Hansen of Battle Creek and Scott Hansen (Karen) of Silverthorne, Colorado; three grandchildren: Amyah Walker of Battle Creek; Jackson and Maxwell Bodart both of Milwaukee; and her beloved dog, Sawyer. Also surviving are aunts and uncles: Barbara and Jerry Buskirk; Carol and James Lee, Lee and Paul Kochis; a great-uncle and five great-aunts: Millie Lawrentz, Beattie Seymour, Merle Knoll, and Wilma Knoll; Don and Lou Newby; and many cousins, second cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Nels Hansen, Helen (Lawrentz) Turley, Edgar Turley; maternal grandparents: Chester "Chet" Knoll (9-11-2001), Bernice (Serven) Knoll (5-21-2003); and uncle: Marc A. Knoll (7-6-1993).

Linda was a lifelong Battle Creek area resident, who graduated with honors in 1974 from Battle Creek Central High School. She continued her education with an associate's degree in business from KCC.

She loved spending time with her husband and their dog "Sawyer" gardening around the house tending to her roses and hostas. She loved traveling with her husband to San Diego, Milwaukee, Nevada and Jamaica. Linda loved the sunsets at Lake Michigan as well as snowmobiling during the winter. She was an immaculate housekeeper and loved having friends over for a party, cookout and fun. She always had fun. She was a very special and close friend to those she met - always positive and living life to the fullest. Her smile would literally "light up a room."

She had been an active member of First Wesleyan Church. She had been a long-time member of the Battle Creek Jaycees; acting as chairman of many of the organization's community service projects until her age eliminated her as a member.

She had held the office of Vice President two terms and Community Development Vice President in the Jaycees. Recently she joined and was an active member of the Junior League of Battle Creek, another community service organization, up to the time of her death. She had served the Junior League as their membership director.

She was the epitome of happiness, when you met her she exuded laughter, happiness, and a genuine warm and gentle nature. Her "hero" in her life was her beloved husband - Paul.

Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service after 1 p.m. Thursday, where the family will be present from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. Funeral services commemorating the happy life of Linda Raychel will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, at the First Wesleyan Church (14425 South Helmer Road) with Pastor Philip Griffin officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to the American Cancer Society, envelopes available at the funeral home. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145