Rachel K. Shoppa, 49, of Muscatine, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022, with her husband Alex.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Vineyard Church on 224 East 3rd Street, Muscatine. Parking will be available in the city lot and street. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to their children, Travis, Kayla, and Melanie, in Rachel’s honor. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at Vineyard Church. Parking will be available in the riverfront parking lot. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements.
Rachel was born on September 12, 1972, in Iowa City, the daughter of Kay Ribbink and Thomas Burke. She was later adopted by Douglas Petersen. Rachel married Jeff Benefiel in 1991. They had two children together, Travis and Kayla. She then married Alex ‘AJ’ Shoppa on November 20, 1999, at Vineyard Church. They had one daughter, Melanie. Together, they raised three children.
Rachel attended Muscatine High School, graduating class of 1991. She worked at Allsteel, later returning to college and graduating with her bachelor’s degree in business from AIU. Currently, Rachel worked at EXIT Realty Group and owned A & R Motors Inc. with her husband, Alex. She went into entrepreneurship, so she had the opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren.
Rachel was always willing to rescue animals. She was an avid boater and camper. Rachel enjoyed traveling with her husband. Most of all, she was devoted and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family. Rachel and Alex were always there for their family and friends. They were also very active in their church, demonstrating both their deep relationship with God, as well as their love and encouragement toward others. They were always known for their support and generosity for important causes in the community.
Rachel is survived by her children, Travis Benefiel and his wife, Abby, of Mediapolis, Kayla Bartling and her husband, Zach, of Iowa City, and Melanie Shoppa of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Lara, Leah, and Lindi Benefiel; baby boy Bartling who is expected in January; parents, Kay and Larry Ribbink, Thomas and Mary Burke, and Douglas Petersen all of Muscatine; siblings, Chris Roush, Natalie and Jim Allen, Shannon and Gene Morris, Tamara Burke, Austin Petersen, and Taryn and Josh Peterson all of Muscatine; many aunts and uncles; many nieces and nephews, and lots of good friends.
Rachel is preceded in death by her husband, Alex; miscarried baby girl, Abigail; great grandma, Mildred Nischwetz; grandparents, Julia Simmons, Betty and James Burke Sr., and Beatrice Wilson; and one nephew Quentyn Allen.
