Rachel Geittmann has been described as someone who does it all and does it with grace. She wears a variety of hats such as mother, Registered Nurse, wife, and volunteer, to name a few. Some of her contributions within Greendale include: Co-Chairperson of the Fourth of July Parade, Public Celebrations Committee member, and she leads the Sensory Santa and Sensory Easter events for children and adults with disabilities. Rachel also volunteers in the meaningful role of Wish Granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Rachel mentions in her interview that she tries to live by the H. Jackson Brown quote “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you”. Thank you, Rachel, for being such a wonderful role model, not only for your children, but also for the rest of us!
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I have lived in Greendale for about eight years with my family. I am a Registered Nurse, have a passion for volunteering and helping others, and love to cook, bake, and spend time with my family and friends. I enjoy the simple things in life the most: a good book, cup of coffee, favorite song, and sharing a meal and conversation with people that I love.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband Paul, a Milwaukee Police Sergeant, for nine years. We have three beautiful, energetic, and happy children, Mark, Cecilia, and William, with one on the way.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am a Registered Nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s, and have two positions. I’m a Clinical Nurse on the Abdominal Transplant Unit, and a Breast Care Program Coordinator. What I love best about being a nurse is connecting with patients on a personal level and spending time with them and hearing their stories.
Q: Please tell us about any volunteering that you have done or currently do.
I have been on the Public Celebrations Committee since 2018, and serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Fourth of the July Parade, and the Chairperson of the Sensory Friendly Events. I am also a Volunteer Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish; I do this in loving memory of my niece, Avery.
Q: Please tell us about any interesting or unique hobbies that you have?
I really love to make custom t-shirts and signs with my Cricut, and I love to plan parties and events
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
My husband and I have lived in Greendale for a little over eight years. We put in an offer on a house that had been on the market for just a few hours; we jumped at the chance to live here!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
Everyone in Greendale has their own unique personality, talents, and story, I couldn’t pick just one person.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Disney World, especially around the holidays with its beautiful, magical decorations!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Oh, that’s easy. “The Office”.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” –The 14th Dalai Lama
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to go to Amsterdam to visit the Anne Frank House.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Vance Joy
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I could answer this question with a few people, but I’ll stick with the Greendale theme. I’d love to have lunch with Eleanor Roosevelt and learn more about her role in the formation of Greendale back in 1938, and to hear what she thinks about Greendale today.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
I love the history and the story behind Greendale. One of my favorite things about Greendale are the historical plaques that provide the story and background, as well as the beautiful flowers that line Broad Street.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In five or ten years, I see myself still living in Greendale, working and volunteering.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Destin, Florida is one of my favorite places; it has beautiful emerald green water and fine sugary sand. It’s where my husband proposed to me, and we go back every year.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite holiday has always been the Fourth of July, so when the opportunity to serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Parade became available, I jumped at it!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A three hour nap!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. I try to live by the quote: “Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you” –H. Jackson Brown
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Thanksgiving Dinner cooking in the oven, especially the freshly baked rolls and pumpkin pie
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, comfort, joy
