Rachel Wicklund, 36, formerly of Belvidere, IL died at her home on December 24, 2018.
Rachel was born the daughter of David and Mara Wicklund on October 3, 1982 in Rockford, Illinois. She grew up in the Rockford area and graduated at the top of her class from Belvidere High School in 2000. In 2004, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and continued on to earn her Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Food Science. She worked for Tate and Lyle as Technical Manager for the Global Ingredient Technology Food and Beverage Solutions. Rachel enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, especially her nephews, and with her beloved dogs, Milo and Lulu.
She is survived by her parents, David and Mara Wicklund, her sisters, Meredith Wicklund and Sarah Wicklund (Michael Wright), nephews Jason, Parker and Bennett, her grandmother Freya Jones, and by many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elroy and Marian Wicklund and by her grandfather, William Jones.
A Memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, December 31, 2018 at First Free Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to NAMI, the National Alliance for Mental Illness, at www.nami.org.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Mara & Dave, We were so heart broken when we read about the passing of Rachel. As we know all to well, the loss of a child is one of the most painful experiences for a mother & father. May your memories and strong family bonds keep you ALL strong through these difficult times ahead. Our sympathies to you and your family now and as you move forward in 2019.
I feel so lucky that I got to know and work with Rachel. She will live in my memory forever as a kind and loving friend.
Reaching out with my deepest sympathy and sadness for your tragic loss. May she be in restful peace now and your family finds some peace with your faith in The Lord. Love, hugs and Prayers for all. Cousin Nancy and family (Beautiful picture of Rachel)
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your beloved daughter too soon. It’s devastating and heartbreaking. For far too long depression has been looked upon as a shameful mental illness. But it’s not. It’s so painful being in the depths of despair. I grew up living next door to Rachel’s grandparents. I hope you have loved ones you can talk with about this tragedy. She will always be in your hearts and souls. She accomplished so much in her short life.
Dear Dave, Mara, Meredith,and Sara, My heart hurts with you as you grieve loosing Rachel. I pray that through these dark days you will find comfort and joy in the life she did live, remembering precious moments that you shared. Praying that your strength will come from the Lord, who holds the weary hearted in His hands
My condolences to the family. I work at Tate&Lyle in Brazil and had the opportunity to met Rachel in Brazil during a starches training. She is a really special person. My sincere condolence to Wicklund family.
Dear Wicklund family, Sincere condolences for your terrible loss. I had the privilege of knowing Rachel in T&L. Besides being an incredibly smart, competent, generous, patient senior, co-worker and friend, she was my interim manager for a short while, and she was a source of comfort, empathy, hope, friendship, compassion and practical help, when I myself went through a bad panic attack at that time. I'll always be grateful for her and mourn with you, even as you celebrate her life. Praying the LORD give you comfort and hope.
Dave and Mara, we are truly saddened and heart broken by your loss. We pray for Rachel and pray for you both, Meredith and Sara. There are not enough words to express our sorrow for your loss.
I was honored to have worked and known Rachel. She was a shy yet bright young woman. My fondest memory is from a company dinner in Vietnam, where we happened to participate at the same time. She was in Singapore then and she was so happy to have taken the chance to work abroad and get to know people from so many different countries. We had a really good laugh that night. She was happy. I will always treasure that beautiful smile. Love you, Rachel. I’ll miss you.
Mara & Dave. We are so sorry to hear about this terrible loss. There is very little that can ease the pain of the loss of a child, but we hope that the warmth of family and friends can somehow provide comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mara and Family. We are so terribly sorry to hear of Rachel's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this time. We wish you love, strength and healing.
Mara and Dave, I am tremendously sorry for your loss! I know how proud you were of Rachel and all your daughters. I pray that she is feeling joyful now and forevermore and that you will feel God’s comfort as you struggle through your grieving. My prayers go with you!
Mara and family I am so sorry to learn of the death of your daughter Rachel. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers,
Mara and family, you have been in my thoughts since I heard the news about Rachel today. The loss of a child is such a difficult grief to bear, and I’m terribly sorry. May you find solace in the days ahead with your family and loved ones.
My prayers for the family, in this incredibly difficult time. I lost a close family member to depression. Know that Rachel was loved by many, that her memory will live on and we can celebrate the joys of her life and the awareness to help others in need.
I worked with Rachel when both of us were in Singapore. I love to work and befriend with Rachel. Rachel is intelligent, humble and a person of integrity. I’ll miss her tremendously. Deepest condolences to the family. May the Lord surround and uplift you with abundant love from Him through this difficult time!
Dave and Mara, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We know how hard this must seem but with your faith and belief you know Rachel is in a better place and finally resting in peace. God Bless and keep you.
I met Rachel at T&L. She was such a great person, always ready to help and very professional. I am shocked with the loss. All my prayers and thoughts to Rachel and her family. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
We are sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to the Wicklund family.
Dave & Mara, I'm so incredibly sorry for the loss of your daughter. My deepest sympathy and many prayers will continue for you.
Rachel was a wonderful, bright and exemplary coworker- have nothing but lots of respect and she did have a huge impact in my experience at Tate. With a heart broken and deep sadness sending sincere condolences to the Wicklund family and hoping that the wonderful memories with Rachel will support you through this extremelly difficult times. Thank you Rachel you were a beautiful person.
I am shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of life of such a wonderful young lady. I was very privileged to have crossed paths with Rachel. I had Rachel and Meredith in Spanish 4 at BHS, and what great gals they both were. Please know that Rachel touched my life in a big way as her teacher, and I know that I am a better person because of Rachel's touch (& Meredith's too). Lean heavy on the Lord and your faith and know that Rachel is at peace under the cover of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God Bless.....B.A. Salley, Rachel's Spanish teacher at BHS
Our deepest sympathies in the loss of your daughter.
To the Wicklund Family - my deepest sympathies to your family during these trying times and over time, brightness will take the place of sorrow. I had the privilege of working and getting to know Rachel during her time at Tate & Lyle. Rachel was a kind person who always provided a helping hand to those around her. She made a very meaningful impact in her short time on this Earth...we will miss her.
Mara and Dave, I so saddened by the loss of your Rachel. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. I regret that I was unable to be with you yesterday at Rachel's Memorial Service to provide support. You are blessed to have so many beautiful memories. God bless you both.
Rachel will be greatly missed. My heart are with family and friends. Many prayers for an amazing woman.
Dr. Wicklund, Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Wicklund and family, I am so sorry to read about your sister and daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult and sad time. May Rachel now be at peace as there are not enough words to express the sorrow I feel for all.