Rachel Ann Wilgenbusch, 35 years old of Lawrenceburg, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2024. A graduate of East Central High School, Rachel grew up in Yorkville as the oldest of four children born to Sharon and Mitch Wilgenbusch. Growing up she loved playing tennis and softball and all the fun activities that go along with being a Girl Scout. Rachel had such fond memories of the trips the Girl Scouts took to Niagra Falls and Mackinac Island. As an animal lover she enjoyed riding horses at her grandparents’ house and was responsible for bringing home a few stray cats over the years to add to the several cats and dogs already at home.
A kind and gentle soul, Rachel was loved by everyone. She was easy to be around and her supportive nature encouraged people to talk and confide in her without the fear of being judged. She brought these same qualities to her work at Children’s Hospital in the NICU where she befriended new employees and took them under her wing. Rachel eventually left her patient care assistant position to take on her most important role as a stay-at-home mother to her children. She was warm and nurturing as a mother, teaching respect and discipline with her soft-spoken manner. As a child she expressed her inner artist by drawing sketches and applying makeup for her friends for Prom. As an adult, she continued to draw and enjoyed creating crafts with her children. Doing things as a family was a priority for Rachel and she wanted to include her husband and children in everything she did. Her sense of humor led to many laughs between her and Jabaar and while he cracked up at her off key singing, the sweet music in the house has been greatly missed.
Rachel will be deeply missed by her husband, Jabaar, and children Penelope, Carter, Genevieve, and Francesca; parents Sharon & Mitch Wilgenbusch; siblings Anthony (Ashley) Wilgenbusch, Nicole (Nick) Middendorf, Jonathan (Molly) Wilgenbusch; grandparents Arlene & Gerald Wilgenbusch; mother-in-law Janiece Dalmida; many aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by grandparents Marcella & Gilbert Hartman.
Services for Rachel will be held on Friday, May 31 at St. Martin’s Church of All Saints Parish. Rosary will begin at 8:45am with visitation to follow until the time of the church service at 12:00pm. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, church service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made for Rachel’s Children. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.