It is with profound sorrow and love that we announce the passing of Rachael "Rae" Ann Blake, 64, of Newell, SD, who peacefully left this world on March 5, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on November 25, 1960, in Minot, ND, Rachael was a cherished daughter of Marjorie and Alfred Lakoduk. Growing up in a large loving family, Rachael was blessed with the warmth and closeness that came from frequent calls, letters, and treasured family reunions. She started her school years in Minot, North Dakota and attended high school in Surrey, North Dakota.

Rachael's life was defined by her unwavering dedication to her family. She was a hardworking and resilient woman who balanced various customer service, hospitality, and sales roles while raising her five children and two stepchildren. Her love and devotion were particularly evident during her years as a single mother, ensuring her family's needs were always met.

Fate brought Rachael and David Blake together through mutual friends in Minot, ND. David was instantly captivated when he saw Rachael playfully hanging from a clothesline pole in her backyard—a moment that sparked a beautiful love story. The couple married on Valentine's Day 1992 in Minot, ND. Their life together was a journey of love and support, marked by relocations to North Dakota, Colorado, and New Mexico due to David's service in the Air Force. Rachael's unwavering support for her husband and their family's moves was a testament to her selflessness and patriotism.

Rachael found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She delighted in baking from scratch, nurturing her garden, crafting and selling her creations at craft fairs, and playing Nintendo games with her children. Her home was a haven of warmth and organization, filled with love and laughter. She especially cherished crafting with her daughter Jessica and sister-in-law Alberta during their visits.

Rachael's legacy of love and kindness lives on through her surviving family: her beloved husband, David Blake of Newell, SD; her children: Jessica (George) Bradbury of Phoenix, AZ; Chris (Julee) Blake of Deadwood, SD; Jason Logelin of Farmington, NM; Michael Logelin of Minot, ND; Heather Logelin of Cape Coral, FL; stepson Bobby Blake of Minot, ND; stepdaughter Terri Roll of Aberdeen, SD; her siblings: Ray (Brenda) Lakoduk of Minot, ND; Randy Lakoduk of Minot, ND; Verna (Ed) Brown of Devils Lake, ND; Denyce (Jim) Jennings of Shelby, NC; LeRoy (Donna) Stromme of Kenai, AK, Dorothy Haugeberg of Rapid City, SD ; her nephews: Ross (Jen) Lakoduk of Minot, ND; Levi Lakoduk of Minot, ND; Jon Lakoduk of Minot, North Dakota; Jordan (Julia) Lakoduk of Minot, North Dakota; Nathan Lakoduk of Minot North Dakota; Uncle Rodney Selfors of Minot, ND; her nieces: Jodi (Gerry) Robertson of Belgrade, MT; Jan Beck of Rapid City, SD; great-nieces: Tabitha Burnette of Christiansburg, VA; Megan Mickey of Pulaski, VA, her five loving grandchildren and many more cousins.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel, Sturgis, SD, with funeral services beginning at 11:30 a.m. Rachael will be laid to rest at the serene Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com .

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