Obituary

Remembering Rachel Christine Moon Gesslein

Rachel Christine Moon Gesslein, age 38, of Caledonia, Michigan passed away unexpectedly in the comfort of her home on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

She was born in Hartford, Connecticut and spent her early years in Windsor, Connecticut. She had a deep love for singing, dance, musical theatre, and art. During her childhood she was able to travel both domestically and abroad, and had a special appreciation of Japanese culture, culminating in a special trip to Japan with her mother. Rachel was extremely creative, and found great joy in making unique jewelry pieces, always using her art as a meaningful way of personal expression. 

She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her mother and best friend, Lori Bellamy Moon; father, Donald Moon; grandparents, Dale (Glenda) Bellamy; aunts and uncles, Diane (Troy) St. Pierre, Lisa (Kent) Rice, Tommy (Angela) Moon, Jimmy (Sharon) Moon; cousins, John Holbrook and Julia Rice; friend, Gavin Stewart; and several great aunts and uncles.

A visitation with the family will be held from 2-3:00 pm Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE, Caledonia. A memorial service will be held promptly at 3:00 pm, with Pastor Zach Seitz officiating. A dove release will follow the service. Guests are invited to join the family at the Caledonia American Legion, 9548 Cherry Valley SE, Caledonia. 

To celebrate Rachel, please wear bright colors. Memorial contributions may be made to iunderstandloveheals.org and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

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July 19, 2026 9:56pm

I met Evelyn just a few months ago at a convention in Chicago. We talked for ages throughout and after putting away our tables. Even in that brief weekend she had so much to share. Her hobbies and passions, her love for her dogs, her character came through in all of her stories. She was so helpful and uplifting, I can't imagine how many people she's touched with her kindness. I wish I could've gotten more chances for our paths to intersect. I'll do my best to reciprocate her kindness wherever I can.

— Ethan Robles

July 18, 2026 5:34am

Gone too soon. I’ll miss everything about you. I was so lucky to have you create your work for my fashion in Japan. I can’t believe you aren’t here anymore. I’ll never forget you and treasure our time together. I was looking forward to you visiting me in Japan someday! Love you to the moon and back. Mika

— Tamika Oikawa

July 17, 2026 7:16pm

Lori, so so sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine your sorrow. Rely on family and good friends to support you in this painful time. Thinking of you and hoping you are ok. Bette Papadinis

— Bette Papadinis

July 17, 2026 8:01am

I met Evelyn years back when she bought a piece of my jewelry and we became friends instantly. She has been an inspiration to me and a friend since. I hope our beautiful memeories of her kindness, creativity, and life be a blessing to all who knew her. She will be missed so very much.

— Chawn Waters Lambert

July 16, 2026 2:07pm

Heaven must be filled with butterflies 🦋

— Linda. Stocker

July 16, 2026 2:15am

R.i.p Madam and deep condolences to the family. She was delightful person and great women to meet in acne, would definitely get her birthday tatted on me..💜🫡

— Danny Phantom

July 15, 2026 2:31pm

Remembering Rachel is like remebering the most beautiful dragonfly or fire-fly, beautiful, fierce, strong, brave. But also gentle, loving, kind and incredibly creative. Not many daughters get to have such a deep and full bound as Rachel did with you, Lori. Your love for her was and is eminence and you were such a good mom to her. It is good she sends those little reminders of her love for you even still. My heart is with you and thankful to have known her through you. She is resting peacefully and watching over you sweet friend.

— Karen Myers

July 15, 2026 2:30pm

Remembering Rachel is like remebering the most beautiful dragonfly or fire-fly, beautiful, fierce, strong, brave. But also gentle, loving, kind and incredibly creative. Not many daughters get to have such a deep and full bound as Rachel did with you, Lori. Your love for her was and is eminence and you were such a good mom to her. It is good she sends those little reminders of her love for you even still. My heart is with you and thankful to have known her through you. She is resting peacefully and watching over you sweet friend.

— Karen Myers

July 15, 2026 5:52am

Evelyn came into our lives briefly a few years back after an auto accident. The few days that she spent with us were precious. And, oh, we got to meet and spend time with Broccoli, which was extra special. I have a butterfly broach that she made for me which I will cherish always. Lori, you are in my heart. Words cannot express a time like this, but know that I walk with you in spirit, dear friend!! Dan McDonald Atlanta, GA

— Dan McDonald

July 14, 2026 9:05pm

Lori and Don Sending our sincere condolences to you both on Rachel’s passing. We’re stunned and saddened by the loss of such a precious young woman. Please know that we’ll be praying for her and both of you. Mark and Virginia Lindgren

— Mark Lindgren

July 14, 2026 7:10pm

Evelyn was a true creative. A real inspiration. Her work is a staple in my life, and I am glad to have known her and to carry the beauty she created on with me forever. Rest easy, beautiful soul. You’ll be remembered fondly.

— Panduh Kat

July 14, 2026 6:21pm

I will always remember her smiling face when all the cousins were visiting Aunt T at the beach. She was very creative, talented, artistic and even expressed herself through her clothing! Such a beautiful girl. My heart breaks for you all.

— Maureen Shevlin Burke

July 14, 2026 8:00am

Rest in peace my beautiful daughter, you were so loved.

— Don Moon

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