Macel Rae Eschenbach

1927 - 2025

Moyock, North Carolina - Macel Rae (Schrader) Eschenbach, 98, of Owatonna, Minnesota, passed peacefully into our Lord's arms on June 23, 2025, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Lee Ann and Marlin Stoltz, Moyock, North Carolina. Macel was born on January 22, 1927, in Webster Springs, West Virginia, to the late John Patrick and Mamie (Cogar) Schrader. She was one of nine children and family was very important to her. Macel has always been known for her sweet nature, kind heart, and deep devotion to her Christian faith. She will be immensely missed by those who know and love her.

After Macel graduated from high school in Webster Springs, she relocated to Owatonna, MN in 1946, where she lived with her sister, Lela (and Russell Aegan). It was there she met her soon-to-be husband, Kermit Eschenbach, and they were united in marriage on September 14, 1947, at the parsonage of St. John Lutheran Church. She and Kermit were active members of St. John's for 52 years until Kermit passed away January 22, 1999. She faithfully served on the Altar Guild, attended Women's Circle Bible studies, and greatly enjoyed sewing and fellowship with ladies as they made quilts. Both Macel and Kerm enjoyed gardening, traveling to visit family, and watching Minnesota Vikings football.

Macel began her career as a policy writer at Federated Insurance in the Central Division Policy Department. She held several positions in the company including Advertising, Policy Department Assistant Supervisor, and Adjustment Clerk. She retired early in 1989. Her grandchildren are still impressed that she was one of the fastest and most proficient typists in her company.

In 2005, Macel relocated to be with her daughter and son-in-law in Calera, Alabama, then Columbia, Maryland, and most recently Moyock, North Carolina. She made dear friends; remained active in church; phoned, wrote cards and sent emails to family near and far; visited friends in nursing homes; and stayed sharp with puzzles and word games. She was a master at crocheting and made beautiful afghan blankets that she gifted to her children and grandchildren. Macel also had a love for animals that can still be seen through her family and their various beloved pets. Even at 98, Macel would read through her daily Bible devotions and could recall hymns and Scripture verses.

Macel is welcomed into a heavenly reunion with family who have preceded her in death including her parents; her loving husband; five brothers: Kermit, Harold, John, Garry, and Larry Schrader; and three sisters, Madeline Clevenger, Ruth Cummings, and Lela Aegan.

Macel is survived by her children, Curt (Wanda) Eschenbach of Owatonna, MN and Lee Ann (Marlin) Stoltz of Moyock, NC; grandchildren: Erick (Susan) Eschenbach of Owatonna, MN, Brent Eschenbach of Owatonna, MN, Heidi (Garrett) Samson of Rockyford, CO, Marlin II (Diane) Stoltz of Kernersville, NC, and Brittany (Justin) Martin of Helena, AL; great-grandchildren: Alexander Christopher Stoltz, Arianne Faith Stoltz, Lawson Brooks Handy and Marlee Rae Handy; her sisters-in-law, Joan Keller of Owatonna, MN, and Anna Schrader of Webster Springs, WV; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Macel will be laid to rest at Owatonna Memorial Gardens next to her husband, Kermit.

Lee & Marlin give thanks to the Albemarle Hospice Team for their special care of Macel. Also, we thank family and friends for their continued prayers, phone calls and text messages, while GG prepared to go to her final resting place. Memorials may be sent to either Albemarle Home Care & Hospice, 1507 N. Road Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 or, alternately, to St. John's Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Avenue South, Owatonna, MN 55060, for use of the Altar Guild.