Rochel Alwardt (83) of Effingham

Rochel Alwardt, 83, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Private family services will be held. Burial will be in Arborcrest Memorial Park in rural Effingham. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to St John’s Lutheran Church, Effingham. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Rochel was born on November 18, 1936, in Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of Roy and Ida (Lance) Depoister. She married Marlin Alwardt on January 25, 1955 and to this union two daughters were born. Rochel enjoyed her nursing career as well as volunteering at the Cross at the Crossroads and delivering cards to Veterans’ homes. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Effingham. She was also well known for some awesome April Fools’ jokes.

Rochel is survived by her husband, Marlin Alwardt of Effingham; daughters, Marilyn Durr (Lenny Zullo) of Zephyrhills, Florida and Janet (Robert) Hecht of Effingham; grandchildren, Jason (Stacy) Mesnard, Brian Mesnard, Jena (Chris) Cleary, Jill (fiancé, Russell Higgs) Hecht, and Collin Hecht; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Mesnard, Triston (Mary) Mesnard, Micheal Mesnard, and Brayden Mesnard; great-greatgrandchild, William Mesnard; and sisters, Pauline (Oliver) Pauley, Lucille (Charles) Simmons, Helen (Gene) Smith, Rita (Wayne) Kramer, Suzie (Ivan) Higgs, Nancy (Barry) Hodges and Rhonda Tweedle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, LeRoy Depoister; sister, Betty Ramsey; and infant sister, Kathy Depoister.