Rachel Hunter Obituary

She was a great benefit to KANU! Barbara and I first became advisory board members when Rachel was music director, and were very impressed at her knowledge of music and broadcasting. She is missed!!

I remember Rachel Hunter from her days of being the music Director and announcer of classical music. She was so enjoyable to listen to and I admired her knowledgeable and witty style. I was able to meet her personally and enjoyed that connection. Blessings to her family and friends.

Rachel's love of music and language (let's hear it for English teachers!) was boundless. Each time I would visit the old KANU studios for an interview, she would greet me warmly and engage in a genial conversation that just happened to be shared with listeners across the region. Connection...that was the secret of her success, whether on-air or not. And she was deeply interested in the music, always curious about the next concert program and sharing the results of her forays into the studio's library of recordings. I'm grateful to have known her and thankful for her generosity of spirit. Requiescat in pace.

I briefly worked with Rachel at KANU in Lawrence from 1996-`97 while in grad school. She was kind, professional, and always treated me as one of the group. Very sorry to know she is gone.

Rachel was that beautiful cousin I always idolized and aspired to be. I was 14 years her junior. Her smile and laughter lit up a room. I always looked forward to seeing her! It had been far too many years since I had last seen her but she remained in my thoughts. Rachel was smart, funny and beautiful! Rest in peace dear cousin.
Love to her immediate family as well as the rest of the Haukebo clan. She left a heart print on us all.

We talked every day as you beat me in our favorite game...words with friends....you became part of my family__l missed talking to you for about a year... I knew you must have been ill....you were like a big sister...I will miss you my beautiful friend

Rachel was a pure gem. Smart, funny & kind. We got to work together for many years at KANU's Mud Hut and then later in the new Kansas Public Radio building on the edge of campus. From day one of working together, Rachel knew that I knew very little about classical music - let alone how to pronounce all the pieces and composers. So, with great kindness and without a hint of smugness, she tried to help me. She would diligently write pronunciations into her promo copy for me to read on the air. We shared a love of the Northwoods - the cabins and lakes of northern Minnesota. Rachel and I started a Friday morning Kansas Trivia contest on the air that ran for nearly 20 years until the pandemic (for various reasons) brought it to a halt. It's easy to create a good on-air chemistry with someone you like, and I always liked Rachel. And I always liked being on the air with her. May she Rest in Peace. ~ J. Schafer

So sorry to learn of Rachel's passing. Even though we had our differences, I feel we were still friends and I feel fortunate for knowing her. She was a truly good person. Prayers and thoughts your way.
Ruthie Hatfield