Rosena Windeknecht-Willard

IN MEMORY OF: Rosena Windeknecht-Willard Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Rosena Lena Willard, 89, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully at home Friday evening August 1, surrounded by her family. She was born January 27, 1936, near Pocahontas, MO to Lorein and Iona Rubel Bogenpohl. She graduated from College High School in 1954. On June 25, 1955, she married Charles Windeknecht. Charles and Rosena had four children: Rachel Finch of Cape Girardeau, MO, Rebekah (James) Green of Georgetown, CA, Sarah (James) Goss of Knoxville, TN, and Daniel (Joan) Windeknecht of Cape Girardeau. Charles preceded Rosena in death in 1979. In 1984 she married Troy Willard. He also preceded her in death in 2016. She worked a 22-year career as a housekeeper at SEMO University. She was like a mother to many of the students who loved and appreciated her. Rosena’s life was marked by her strong faith in Jesus Christ. She was a devoted and faithful mother, always cheerful and positive, who raised her children to serve The Lord. All four of their families are marked by their Christian faith. She lived through many strong trials, but Rosena unfailingly conveyed strength and hope. Her life left an indelible mark of faith and joy on everyone she knew. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Carrie (Leland) Woelk of Cape, Molly (Daniel) Yingling of Cape, Philip (Meredith) Goss of Knoxville, Anna (Matt) Glover of Nashville TN, Mariel (Brandt) Crawford of Knoxville, Lydia Goss of North Carolina, Jonathan (Aryana) Goss of Knoxville, Bronson Windeknecht of Cape, and Janell Windeknecht of Cape, and by twelve great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by one son-in-law, William (Rock) Finch, and one sister Mildred Windeknecht. The family is especially grateful for the caregivers whose constant service extended her happy life, and wish to reward them. Visitation will be Friday, August 8, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Crain Funeral Home, 829 N. West End Blvd. in Cape Girardeau with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM with Mike Woelk will officiating. Interment will take place at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. Monetary memorials may be made to Rosena Willard, and those contributions will be presented to her caregivers as a final thank you. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Rosena Windeknecht-Willard

January 27, 1936 - August 1, 2025