Rachel Jane Nissen, age 55, formerly of New Richland, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003, at her home in Faribault.

Born in Waseca on Sept. 11, 1947, she was the daughter of Laurence and Loretta (Brase) Fitzgerald. She graduated from Waseca High School in 1965.

She married Leo Nissen on Aug. 7, 1966 in Waseca and they were later divorced. After getting married they were dairy farmers in Waseca County until moving into New Richland in 1972. During the 1970s she worked at KOWO radio in Waseca and later worked as a paraeducator with the New Richland School District. She also worked as a parenting aide for social services and most recently was employed as a Waseca County Public Health worker. She enjoyed gardening, drawing, reading, crafting, helping friends, spending time with family, and was active in various New Richland school and community activities. She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland.

She is survived by three daughters: Audra Boyer and her husband Tim of Waseca, Amber Aaseth and her husband Judd of Owatonna, and Ria Nissen and her fianc Ben O’Brien of Waseca; two sons: Ryan Nissen and his wife Holly of New Richland, and Adam Nissen of Eden Prairie; and four grandchildren: Olivea and Augusta Boyer, Jalen Aaseth, and Cambria Nissen. She is also survived by two sisters: Evonne Fitzgerald of Faribault, and Sharlene Radunz of Janesville; and special friend, Robert Nagel of Faribault.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters: Dorothy Fitzgerald and Corrine Smith.

Visitation will be held at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca on Thursday, Jan. 9, from 4-7 p.m.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at Kinder-Dennis Home for Funerals in Waseca with the Rev. Philip Lewison officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.

The honorary casket bearers are: Olivea Boyer, Augusta Boyer, Jalen Aaseth and Cambria Nissen.