Rachel A. Avenarius, 91, of Bethany Home in Dubuque, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 27, 2026, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd with a wake service to be held at 3:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, at St. Joseph Key West Church with Fr. Bob Gross officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Rachel was born January 28, 1935, in Dubuque, Iowa, the daughter of Herbert and Viola Benn. Rachel was united in marriage to the love of her life, Louis Avenarius, on August 18, 1951, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised their family.

Rachel was employed at Rite Hite Corporation (formally Frommelt Industries), where she worked in the sewing department for 30 years before retiring.

Rachel was a woman who found joy in the simple things in life and treasured the people around her. In retirement, she especially enjoyed line dancing and was a proud member of the Country Steppers Line Dancing Club and the Dupaco Dancers. She also enjoyed playing bingo, working on puzzles, and crafting with the many friends she made at Bethany Home.

Music held a special place in Rachel’s heart. She loved listening to the oldies and country music and could often be found singing along to her favorite songs. As dementia progressed, music continued to bring her comfort and happiness and remained a wonderful way to connect with her.

Above all, Rachel was proudest of her family. She deeply cherished her four children and their spouses, along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandson, and took great joy in watching her family grow.

Those left to cherish her memory include her four children and their spouses: Vickie (Jim) Amos of Peosta, Iowa, Randy (Dawn) Avenarius of Dubuque, Iowa, Lynn (Dennis) Keiffer of Bellevue, Iowa, and Terry (Linda) Avenarius, of Dubuque. 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren with two more expected in 2027, and one great-great grandson; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband Louis Avenarius; her parents, Herbert and Viola Benn; her stepfather Charles Rausch; her mother-in-law Alvina Avenarius; her sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Jack Rapp; her brother and sister-in-law Herbert “Bud” and Donna Benn; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marie and Edward Valentine; and her granddaughter, Katie Jo (Amos) Schoenberger.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the outstanding staff at Bethany Home and Hospice of Dubuque for the loving care they provided to Rachel. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort to Rachel and her family in her final days.

Rachel leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, laughter and memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.