Rachael Mae (Peterson) Janssen, 31, of Pulaski, received the ultimate gift of eternal life on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at Bellin Hospital surrounded by her family.
Rachael was born on June 22, 1990, to Joseph and Tami (Genke) Peterson. Rachael grew up on a small family dairy farm with three siblings. She graduated from Gillett High School in 2009, where she was known for her kindness, strong leadership and for being an outstanding athlete. She continued her education and received a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She then moved to Green Bay and continued her education in the medical field while working. She worked as an autistic therapist, inpatient psychiatric nurse, med/surg nurse, perioperative and ICU nurse. She was always being a caring and compassionate person, putting others’ needs before her own.
Rach married the love of her life, Brian Janssen, on June 11, 2021. They had the wedding of their dreams surrounded by family and friends on the Peterson Family Farm. Family was everything to Rachael. She was a devoted wife, daughter, granddaughter, sister, auntie, godmother, cousin, best friend and an INSPIRATION to many with her positive attitude and LOVE FOR CHRIST! She will also be remembered for her gorgeous and contagious smile, being the life of the party, love to dance, passion for living life to the fullest and willingness to help others.
Rach never wanted to be defined by her cancer, and many would speak of it as a battle. To Rachael it was never a battle with cancer, it was a journey with God. And because of this, there was no battle lost. As Rachael would say, “Many may beat cancer, but they’ve lost the battle if they didn’t find God.” So as hard as this is, we are at peace knowing she received the ultimate gift of eternal life as one of His most genuine servants. Rachael’s purpose will continue to be served through each one of us that she has inspired so graciously. She is now our guardian angel with some of the biggest wings.
Rach will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Brian; parents, Joseph and Tami Peterson, Gillett; sister, Kimberly (Brad) Krueger, Suamico; brother, Brandon (Danielle) Peterson, Suamico; brother, Zakary Peterson, Gillett; nieces and nephews, (who she was like a second mom to); Jada and Carson Krueger; Dawson, Jordan and Brielle Peterson; grandparents, Donald and Ramona Genke, Gillett; Brian’s loving parents and family; many aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren and friends; and their special fur babies, Luca, Scout and Beau. Previously departed to eternal life were her grandparents, James and Shirley Peterson, Cecil.
To honor Rach in the light, a service and celebration of life was held by Pastor Stephen Maris (cousin of Rach) at the Peterson Family Farm on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring assisted with the arrangements.
HE walks with HER! And now she walks with each one of us!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Rachael M. (Peterson) Janssen
