In Remembrance and Celebration of Rachel Lynn Nesseth
April 22, 2004 – August 10, 2022
Rachel Lynn Nesseth is lovingly remembered as a bright light whose life reflected excellence, faith, service, and encouragement. A 2022 graduate of Kenyon-Wanamingo High School, Rachel was known for her dedication and passion across academics, athletics, music, leadership, and community involvement. She was accepted to Concordia College, where she planned to major in biochemistry while competing on the track and field team.
Rachel was deeply involved in both her school and her community. She participated in band, choir, chamber choir, theatre, and church music, and was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church’s youth group. A talented athlete, she excelled as a sprinter and hurdler in track, played volleyball, and served as captain of the Triton dance team. Her leadership extended to student council, where she represented students on the school board.
In 2022, Rachel earned the prestigious Minnesota State High School League Region 1A Triple A Award, becoming the first student from Kenyon-Wanamingo High School to receive this honor. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, a Board Scholar, and an accomplished 4-H participant, qualifying for the Minnesota State Fair multiple times with her horse, Fortune, and her dog, Samson.
Rachel’s life was defined not only by her many achievements, but by her genuine commitment to encouraging and uplifting others. She consistently went the “extra mile,” inspiring those around her to pursue excellence with integrity, faith, and joy.
To honor these values, Rachel Nesseth The Extra Mile Foundation was established. The Foundation’s mission is to recognize, encourage, and support youth who demonstrate excellence and a willingness to go above and beyond for themselves and others. Reflecting Rachel’s wide range of interests, the Foundation celebrates achievements of all kinds—academic, athletic, artistic, service-oriented, faith-based, and beyond—while fostering character, leadership, and a Christ-centered life that strengthens both individuals and the community.
Since its founding, the Foundation has supported numerous initiatives, including the Triple A Award Scholarship, awarded annually to Kenyon-Wanamingo High School students in honor of Rachel’s own achievement; The Extra Mile Scholarship, recognizing outstanding service, faith, and character; and an annual Food and Blanket Drive held near Rachel’s birthday to serve those in need.
Additional projects include fundraising through the Let’s Dance Skyview Hydrangea, support for the Goodhue County 4-H Dog Project, the commissioning of a Holden Evening Prayer band arrangement, enhancements to KW Track and Field facilities, and the launch of a school mentorship program focused on shining Christ’s love and blessing students, staff, and volunteers.
Through these efforts, Rachel Nesseth The Extra Mile Foundation continues to honor Rachel’s legacy by recognizing young people who serve as beacons of light—those who strive for excellence, lift others up, and make the world a better place by going the extra mile.
Join Us in Supporting Rachel’s Foundation
Rachel Nesseth The Extra Mile Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax deductible. Community support is essential to continuing Rachel’s legacy.
Ways to give include:
Click the DONATE button on the Foundation’s website
Mail a check payable to Rachel Nesseth The Extra Mile Foundation
41595 County 8 Blvd., Zumbrota, MN 55992
VENMO: @RachelNessethTheExtraMile
Thrivent members may designate their Choice Dollars to the Foundation
To learn more, visit: https://rnextramile.foundation/
