Obituary: Rachel Eryn (Matuszak) Weizenegger

Rachel Eryn (Matuszak) Weizenegger, age 56 of Duluth, Minnesota passed away under hospice care on Thursday, December 8, 2022, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Rachel was born on May 22, 1966, to Russell and Gretchen (Himango) Matuszak in Duluth. She was raised in Esko, Minnesota and graduated with the class of 1984. Following graduation, she studied at UMD earning her degree in Elementary Education. Rachel then moved to Montana where she began her teaching career on the Cheyenne Reservation. These were formative years where she made lifelong connections and friends that she cherished throughout her life. She later returned to Minnesota and completed her Master’s in art at UWS while teaching K-12 art in Cromwell for many years. Most recently, she taught K-6 art in Esko. Rachel enjoyed her students and was a gifted, dedicated educator. She built many treasured relationships with her students, coworkers, and community members.

In October of 2002, Rachel was united in marriage to curator and fellow artisan, Peter Weizenegger. He preceded her in death in 2007. Rachel had a myriad of artistic talents ranging from oil painting to photography and everything in between. She took great care in her art creations, often continuing to fine tune them long after many would have been satisfied. Secondary to art, was her love of music. Her eclectic musical taste introduced her to several bands and a whole new realm of talented, creative souls. She enjoyed the bands, the music, the people, and her unofficial role as critic, offering gentle critiques and praise. She will be remembered for her independence, stubbornness, and incredible kindness, gentle nature, and loving generosity for people and pets. We loved her and will truly miss her.

Rachel is survived by her mother, Gretchen of Esko; sister, Jessica (Rob) Bergstedt; brothers, Victor (Margie) Matuszak, Nickolas Matuszak, Zachary Matuszak, and Xyon (DelRae) Matuszak; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. She was preceded in death by her father, Russell Matuszak; husband, Peter; brother, Quinn Matuszak; and grandparents, Len and Irene Matuszak and Eddie and Martha Himango.

Services were held Sunday, April 2, 2023. Nelson Funeral Care was entrusted with arrangements. To sign an online registry, please visit http://www.nelsonfuneralcare.net.