Obituary
Rachelle Marie Mertes
On Friday, May 1, 2026, Rachelle Marie Mertes peacefully went into the arms of her dad, Ray, in heaven.
Rachelle was born on August 19, 1975, in Winona, MN to Ray and Peggy Mertes.
She grew up in the close-knit river town of Trempealeau, WI. She graduated from Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School in 1993, where she enjoyed sports and stayed active in both softball and curling — activities that perfectly matched her energy and competitive spirt.
In recent years, Rachelle made her home in Wabasha, MN with her partner, Mike Schouweiler. But no matter where life took her, her greatest pride and joy were always her children: Bradley and Braeden Jacobs and Ashlyn Praxel. She was always there supporting her kids, proud of their accomplishments in sports, school, and the young adults they became.
Rachelle’s caring nature led her into nursing, and through hard work and determination, she put herself through nursing school and earned her RN license. Nursing was never just a job to her — it was who she was. For many years, and especially in her later work in nursing homes, she cared for residents with compassion, humor, and dignity. She genuinely loved the people she cared for, and they loved her right back.
She also had a special love for dogs and always made sure her mom and dad had a furry companion nearby to keep them company.
Rachelle will be remembered for her huge heart, caring nature and her zest for making people laugh.
She is survived by her sons, Bradley and Braeden Jacobs; her daughter, Ashlyn Praxel; her mother, Peggy Mertes; her brother, Jared Mertes and his wife Kristin; her partner, Mike Schouweiler; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Mertes.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Centerville Curling Club. A private family service will be held earlier in the day.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to donatelife.net in honor of her father, Ray, whose life was extended more than 21 years through the gift of a heart donation — a cause that Rachelle deeply supported and believed in.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
She will forever be in my heart and will never forget growing up together, working together, watching our kids grow up together. Being my sister’s BFF growing up- Patty and Rachelle were TROUBLE! :). I remember watching you girls play softball and pretty much were the best! She was a proudest mom and daughter. My deepest sympathies to everyone. Love you all!
Mertes and Jacobs Family,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news 😥!!! Rachelle was so amazing!!! All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers ❤️🙏.
My sincerest condolences to her family and friends and also the entire alumni class of 1993 at GET high school. May she rest in peace.
Rachelle was a wonderful friend to me during a very difficult period of my life – will always keep a special place in my heart for her – loved her honesty, laughter and grit. The universe brings people into your life when you need them 💙 Hope this gives you peace and comfort…
I loved working with Rachelle many years ago at Marinuka Manor. Truly a loss to all!
I had the pleasure of meeting Rachelle at work. We had a lot of laughs and great times. She always talked about her family, and was so proud of them. She will be missed. My sympathies to all that knew her. Way too young to be gone. Rest in peace.
Rachelle was truly one-of-a-kind . A special person with a vibrant personality and passion for life. Her unexpected passing weighs heavily on our hearts. Our sympathies go out to her family and other friends. May she rest in peace.
I have so many good memories of Rachelle, she was very spirited and kind and will be missed. Blessings to you, Peggy and your family. ❤️
Rachelle was a very dear person and will be greatly missed. She was so nice to me and appreciated everything and I do mean everything