Marlene Rueger

Age 91, of Channahon, Illinois, formerly of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, in Plainfield, Illinois.

Born on July 19, 1934, in Aurora, Illinois, Ina Marlene was the beloved daughter of Milton and Bernice (Giles) Robinson. She was raised in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Central High School with the Class of 1952.

Marlene dedicated over 20 years of her career to JC Penney Department Store, retiring after many years of loyal service. On February 14, 1998, she married Robert Rueger in Joliet.

A long-time and devoted member of Victory City Church, Marlene was actively involved in many of its ministries including: the primetimers senior group, season sisters Bible study, the greeter team, and the prayer shawl ministry. She was also a proud member of the Goldeneers group of Channahon Township.

Marlene found great joy in knitting and crocheting, lovingly creating dish cloths, hand towels, and prayer shawls for others. She also enjoyed playing cards, and traveling—especially to Branson, Missouri, Hawaii, and taking cruises. Marlene also loved time spent in the motor home traveling across the states.

Above all, Marlene loved her family deeply. Love was the guiding force in her life. She was strong-willed, steadfast, and unwavering in her faith. Her love for the Lord was evident in all she did, and she believed wholeheartedly that every blessing in her life came from Him.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; daughter, Debra (the late Glen) March of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; three grandchildren: Bryan (Betsy) Hennessy of Gardner, Illinois, Marty (Sara) Hennessy of Minooka, Illinois, Steve (Steph) Hennessy of Berthoud, Colorado; five great grandchildren: Alex (Chantal) Henze, Kyle Hennessy, John (Fiancé Cayli) Hennessy, Emma Hennessy, Claire Hennessy; three great-great grandchildren: Emmett Hennessy, Sage Hennessy, Violet Henze; several nieces and nephews and numerous cousins; step mother to: Gary (Monika) Rueger and Kevin (Cindy) Rueger; granddaughter, Samantha (Michael) Hamm; great grandmother to Quinton and Wade; sister in law, Janet Pencek.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, and son, John Hennessy.

"Love ya"

Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made as gifts in Marlene's name to the Victory City Church Missions. (https://victorycity.com/give/)

A funeral service will be on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the Victory City Church in Joliet, Illinois (1741 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435).

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Marlene’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland and Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-634-2125)