Support Rob Waller After Tragic Loss of his Wife, Rachel

It is with profound sadness that I share the heartbreaking news of the sudden loss of Rachel Joyce Waller, the loving wife of Rob Waller, who passed away on January 15, 2025, after a tragic choking incident on January 2.

Rachel grew up attending St. Pauls United Church of Christ along with Rachel Barton Pine (“Rachel” and “the other Rachel” respectively). Her enthusiastic and bubbly personality brought joy to every Sunday School class and Youth Group gathering. She and Rob met in 1992, and they were married at St. Pauls.

Rachel got her nursing degree from Saint Louis University and spent her career in various areas of nursing, lastly as a passionate hospice nurse, bringing comfort and strength to her patients. As a loyal friend, she was always the first to visit friends in the hospital and bring them cheerful encouragement as well as the benefit of her professional expertise. In addition, she was an incredible athlete, becoming deeply dedicated to the sport of Wheel Gymnastics. She represented Team USA at the Wheel Gymnastics World Championships in 2015 and 2016 and competed at multiple national-level events. Beyond that, she led adult wheel classes and volunteered at Wheel Weekends and other events, as a first aid lead and educator.

Many know Rob Waller as a friend and colleague, and a sound engineer who has produced digital audio and video recordings for music students, professional artists, and ensembles across Chicago and the suburbs. He has also guided countless students pursuing their dreams with recordings for college auditions. Like many arts professionals in the U.S., he does not have employer funded healthcare insurance.

Friends and colleagues of Rob Waller are making an urgent appeal for contributions on GoFundMe, funds that will be used to cover Rachel’s days in the ICU, hospice care and other medical costs, as well as the burden of a loss of income facing Rob. Rachel’s passing has left an unimaginable void in Rob’s life. She was the heart of the home and the chief earner in the household, and he now faces the challenges of navigating life without Rachel, emotionally and financially. Thank you for your support of this critical need!

Rob is a friend and mentor to many and is profoundly grateful to those who can help him during this difficult time. Your generosity through a donation or by sharing this campaign will make an incredible difference to Rob. Let the music community across the U.S. come together to honor Rachel and provide the support Rob needs.

Thank you for your kindness. Please share with friends and help our friend and colleague ease his financial burden.