Rachel J. Byers

Rachel J. (Froiland) Byers, 94 of La Crosse, WI, passed away on October 22, 2026, peacefully with family by her side at SpringBrook Assisted Living.

Rachel was born in Westby, WI, to Alfred and Tina Froiland. She grew up on the family farm in Vernon County, with her brother Al and her mother and father. The family moved to Rushford, MN, when she was in high school. Rachel graduated from Rushford High School in 1949. She studied nursing at the Gundersen nursing program, where she received her LPN certification. Rachel worked for the Gundersen Health System until she retired in 1993. Rachel was beloved and respected by her co-workers at Gundersen as always having a smile, a team player and they loved when she would bring her baked goods to share.

Rachel married Bertram Flint in 1950. She and Bertram divorced in 1957. Rachel devoted her life to raising her two boys, Steve and Mark. After her sons were grown, she met and married George Byers in 1983. They were married until George’s passing in 1996.

Rachel enjoyed retirement by traveling the world with her devoted friend, LaVerne Bjerke. Her favorite country to visit was Norway, which she traveled to multiple times and got to meet her Norwegian relatives. Rachel and LaVerne stayed active volunteering in the community and at Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Faith was very important to Rachel; she attended church regularly and later Bible Study at SpringBrook.

Rachel had many hobbies which let her creative side shine: ceramics, watercolor painting, drawing, and Rosemaling. Rachel was also a great baker, which her family and friends enjoyed, especially her special Norwegian cookies and Rachel’s famous chocolate chip cookies and apple pies!

Rachel loved to see family, especially nieces Kathy Decker and Mary Baker and her 2nd cousin Jim and Paula Nordrum. On special occasions, Rachel enjoyed having a glass of wine with friends and family. She enjoyed spending time with her sons when they visited and would always light up when they entered the room. She took pride in both her sons’ accomplishments. As they were growing up, Rachel taught them proper manners such as making sure to open a car door for ladies, table etiquette, and to give to those less fortunate.

Rachel is proceeded in death by George Byer, husband; Tina and Alfred Froiland, parents; Al (Phyllis) Froiland, brother and sister-in-law; Linda Voves, Stepdaughter; and LaVerne Bjerke, devoted friend.

She is survived by Steve (Nadine) Flint, Mark (Kelly) Flint, Children; Diane Voves, Stepdaughter; Chris (Shannon) Flint, Bradley Flint, Adam James Flint, Grandchildren; Madeline Flint, Rebecca Flint, William Flint, Greatgrandchildren; Dan (Shannon) Froiland, Nephew; Kathy (Mike) Decker, Mary Baker, Nieces.

A special thank you from Rachel’s family to the staff at SpringBrook Assisted Living in Onalaska and St. Croix Hospice Care for taking such good care of her. 

Service information will be available soon.