A Celebration of Life Service for Genevieve Rehnelt, age 94, of Jackson, will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Jackson, on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with a time of visitation and gathering for two hours prior to the service. The service will be livestreamed on the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Facebook Page.

Genevieve Gladys (Gunderman) Rehnelt was born on March 2, 1932, in Fulda, Minnesota, to George and Eva Wilhelmina (Utz) Gunderman. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Genevieve received her education in Fulda and graduated from Fulda High School with the Class of 1950.

She met the love of her life, Norman Rehnelt, and the two were united in marriage on May 16, 1951. This union was blessed with five children: David, Linda, Lori, Darin, and Dennis. The couple briefly made their home in Dothan, Alabama, for two years before returning to the Jackson area, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Genevieve was a longtime and devoted member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jackson. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she served her church faithfully in many roles throughout the years. She worked as the head cook at Jackson High School and later as secretary at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for many years. She was active in Ladies Aid, LWM, Bible study groups, and numerous church activities.

She had many gifts and talents. She lovingly knitted and crocheted baptismal gowns and blankets, beautiful doilies, and tablecloths. One of her most treasured traditions was making confirmation afghans for each of her nine grandchildren. She also enjoyed writing poetry and singing in the church choir. Family members fondly remember her constantly singing or humming while cooking meals or caring for her home.

She enjoyed spending time with friends through Birthday Club, card clubs, Red Hatters, and coffee gatherings, always bringing warmth, enthusiasm, and her welcoming smile and laugh. Genevieve was also deeply involved in her community, serving as a Jackson County 4-H leader for 10 years and actively participating in Extension Group, where she held numerous offices and was honored as "Homemaker of the Year" in 1987.

Genevieve and Norman shared a love of travel and enjoyed trips throughout the United States and overseas. She kept busy gardening, canning, knitting, crocheting, and writing poetry. Above all, she cherished attending the activities, school events, and birthday celebrations of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also an avid Minnesota Twins fan. In 2011, Genevieve and Norman celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at Twins Stadium, a memory she treasured deeply.

Genevieve passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Lakeview Assisted Living in Heron Lake.

Left to cherish Genevieve's everlasting memory are her children, David (Carmel) Rehnelt of Shorewood, Minnesota; Linda (Jerry) Higgins of Custer, South Dakota; Lori (Brent) Rossow of Lakefield, Minnesota; and Darin (Gretchen) Rehnelt of Brewster, Minnesota; her grandchildren, Brandon (Angie) Rehnelt of Minnetonka, Minnesota; Jennifer (Damon) Cashman of Chanhassen, Minnesota; Bryan (Ally) Rehnelt of Waconia, Minnesota; Jesse Higgins of Black Hawk, South Dakota; Breanne (Luke) Lundt of Spirit Lake, Iowa; Amery Rossow (Ryan Lake) of Lake Park, Iowa; Maceylyn (Nate) Newhouse of St. Peter, Minnesota; Nathan (Jennifer) Rehnelt of Round Lake, Minnesota; and Derek Rehnelt of Worthington, Minnesota; 21 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Juanita Gunderman; and many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Rehnelt; parents, George and Eva Gunderman; infant son, Dennis Rehnelt; brothers, Clarence Gunderman, Albin Gunderman, Leonard Gunderman, and Richard Gunderman; sisters, Dorothy McCuen, Adella Lundeen, and Lucille Hay; infant great-granddaughter, Emerson Cashman; brothers-in-law, Melvin McCuen, Edwin Lundeen, and Don Hay.

Genevieve will be remembered for her unwavering faith, servant's heart, creative spirit, and the deep love she shared with her family, church, and community.