Rachele M Junkert

Our beloved mom left this earth on July 21, 2023, to be reunited with her soul mate, Reuben, who has been patiently waiting for their next dance. Together for 61 years, and apart for 9 years they are finally together for eternity!

Rachele grew up on her family farm in Glen Ullin, North Dakota, and attended high school in Hebron, North Dakota. This was no small feat; her parents did not want her to continue her education after 8th grade.  She stayed with her aunt throughout high school and lied about her age to get a job at the sweet shop in order to pay for her books. After she married Reuben, they relocated to Washington state, and then to California. Aside from being a homemaker and mother to her four children, she worked as a teacher, a waitress, an Avon lady, and then helped to manage rental properties with Reuben for many years. In addition, Rachele was a dedicated advocate and volunteer with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), particularly supporting friends and family members of people diagnosed with OCD and other mental disabilities.   

Rachele was a devoted gardener, a master jigsaw puzzler, and always up for a hand of cards or a game of Scrabble. But one of the biggest highlights of Rachele's life was her deep love for music. She taught herself how to play piano from church hymnals as a child. As an adult, she finally got the opportunity to get some piano and then accordion lessons. Slightly jealous of the fun she was having, Reuben decided to learn to play button box, and they attended accordion festivals across the United States, forging lasting friendships and making many cherished memories along the way. Together, they were foundational members of the Golden State Accordion Club and were enthusiastic volunteers at the annual Ragtime Musical Festival held in Rancho Cordova.

Rachele's legacy lives on through her loving family, including her children Linda, Ron, Randall, and Cheri, grandchildren Brandon, Jessica and Meagan, and great-grandchildren Sarah and Wyatt.  

In accordance with her wishes, no memorial service will be held. Instead, Rachele's life and spirit should be celebrated by singing a rousing chorus of "I Did It My Way," her song of choice.

For any further inquiries or to share your memories of Rachele, you can reach out to the family at RJPM1933@gmail.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rachele M Junkert, please visit our floral store.