Rachel Wester, a diligent and well-regarded teacher, died after a battle with cancer.

After a valiant fight against colon cancer, Rachel Kay Wester, 47, died on March 8, 2025, at her parents’ house in the company of her loved ones.

Ss. Mary Mathias Catholic Church will host a funeral mass on Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The officiant will be the Reverend Jake Greiner. Reverend Chris Weber, Reverend Andrew Rauenbuehler, and Reverend Isaac Doucette will be the attendees. St. Mary’s Cemetery will serve as the burial site.

Visitation will take place at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. After the visitation, there will be a Rosary prayer session. Condolences can be sent online at www.wittichfuneralhome.com. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Muscatine can accept memorial donations in lieu of flowers, per her request.

Rachel was born on December 31, 1977, in Iowa City, the daughter of James and Gail Smith Wester.

Rachel dedicated her life to education and was a beloved teacher at Jefferson Elementary School for twenty-five years. She graduated from Muscatine High School in 1996 and earned her degree in Education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2000.

Rachel lived a compassionate life, caring deeply for her students and the community. Her kindness and warmth made everyone feel at ease

Alexander Reifert and his father, Ryan Reifert, are the only survivors of Rachel. In addition, she leaves behind her devoted parents, Jim and Gail Wester; her brothers, Jason (Karra) and Troy (Lisa); her beloved nieces and nephews, Isabel, Abigail, Alivia, and Drew; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their unwavering love and support during this trying time, including friends, family, coworkers, and students.