Rachel Lynn Mckee-Thomas

Rachel Lynn Mckee-Thomas, age 48 of Waupun, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Rachel was born on April 7, 1978, in Columbus, Wisconsin, daughter of John and Kim (Pohren) Mckee. This past May, Rachel and Lance were married, and she had been looking forward to the celebration they were planning for in October. She loved her family deeply and was always there for others. Rachel loved the outdoors. The Horicon Marsh was a memorable place for her and Lance, and she enjoyed taking walks in the Marsh.

For 17 years, Rachel was an art teacher, including the last three years at Waupun Middle/High School. She shared her creativity generously with her students and took special joy in putting together the yearbook, creating something they could treasure for years to come. Rachel also gave her time and talent to the Waupun Fire Department, capturing professional photographs of the firefighters and, more recent photographs of the fire trucks. She valued that time and created remarkable images through her work. Her support for the people in her life was endless, and her care for others will be remembered with gratitude and love.

Rachel was known for her big heart and for always helping others. She had a special way of connecting with people, helping them feel comfortable enough to open up and be themselves. She loved to laugh, and many knew her as “giggles.” Her smile was infectious and brought warmth to those around her.

Rachel was an extremely talented and crafty woman whose creativity showed in everything from pottery to jewelry to redoing a table and chairs. She also enjoyed tending to her plants and adding to her collection whenever she visited her dad. Growing up with a father who had a greenhouse, she developed a green thumb early in life, and that love of plants stayed with her throughout the years.

Rachel is survived by her husband, Lance Thomas; her children, Alanna Behreandt, Katie Erickson, Shea Christian, Justice Christian, Emily Thomas, and Jane Thomas; her father, John (Carol) Mckee; further survived by Curt (Krystal) Christian, the parents of Shea and Justice; mother-in-law, Mary Jane (Gary) Thomas; sister-in-law, Leah (Dan) Tanner; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Kim Mckee, and by her two brothers, Danny Mckee and Mike Becker; grandparents, Harry (Joyce) Mckee.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School, 801 E Lincoln St, Waupun, and guests are asked to enter at door E4.

A Memorial Gathering will follow on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School, again guests are asked to enter at door E4.