Rachel Marie Juenger

RACHEL MARIE JUENGER, 41, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 4:37 pm, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois.

She was born to Robert and Tammy (nee Rahlfs) Juenger on March 26, 1984 in Chester, Illinois.

Rachel had worked at Dollar General and was a former bus monitor for Head Start.

She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois. Rachel loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her daughter Sarah and Fiance Michael. Despite her disabilities, Rachel was a strong willed woman. She was kind and loving and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Survivors:

   Fiance: 

        Michael Pelate Chester, IL

   Daughter: 

        Sarah Pelate Chester, IL

   Parents: 

        Robert & Tammy Juenger Chester, IL

   Mother-in-law: 

        Donna Pelate Chester, IL

   Sister: 

        Crystal (Christopher) Lance Waterloo, IL

   Sister-in-law: 

        Michelle (Tim) Bert Chester, IL

   2 Nieces: 

        Taylor and Kadence Lance

   1 Niece-in-law: 

        Hannah Bert

   2 Nephews-in-law: 

        Justin and Ethan Bert

   Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends

Preceded in Death by: Paternal Grandparents – Chris & Theresa Juenger, Maternal Grandparents – Wilbert & Melma Rahlfs and Father-in-law – Donald Pelate

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Tuesday, January 20, 2026

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Msgr. Dennis Schaefer

Visitation: 

   Tuesday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials: 

   St. Mary’s Catholic School

   Family Choice