Wet weather doesn't stop Waller run

A rainy morning couldn't dampen a celebration of life during the second annual Jacque Waller 5k Run and Family Walk on Saturday.

The event, held at the Shawnee Park Sports Complex, 1157 S. West End Blvd., marked the second anniversary of Jacque Waller's disappearance on June 1, 2011. After a week that saw the search for Waller come to a close, the occasion had special meaning for her family and friends.

"Everyone's smiling and happy," said Cheryl Brenneke, Waller's sister. "They've come here to support us, and we can't thank them enough."

Brenneke has custody of Waller's 7-year-old triplets, Maddox, Avery and Addison. She said it had been quite a week at home after her sister's remains had been found.

"We've been trying to keep things as normal as we can," Brennecke said. "We keep the kids busy and change the channel on TV when we have to."

Brenneke said the discovery of Waller's remains was the outcome she expected since the first hours of her sister's disappearance.

"But it's wonderful to finally be able to bring her home," she said.

To Stan Rawson, Waller's father, the wet conditions at the sports complex were of no importance.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's 80 degrees with sunshine right now," said Rawson, who lives with his wife Ruby near Bonne Terre, Mo. "It's a wonderful day."

Rawson said the week's events had been devastating and uplifting at the same time. He said Waller's funeral probably will be June 8.

"We're going to properly lay her to rest," he said.

The event to remember his daughter was something others deserved thanks for, Rawson said.

"All of Jacque's friends out here did this," he said, "and two good things will come out of it: The money raised will go to the triplet's fund and to the Safe House for Women. This domestic violence has to end."

According to Holly Bauwens, co-chair of the event, about 200 people had registered to enter the 5k run and family walk.

"The day is bittersweet," said Bauwens of Jackson. "But the family is here and they've seen the support the community has for them."

The 5k run consisted of runners navigating a puddle-filled course around the sports complex. Matthew Pfau of Jackson was the first to cross the finish line.

"Running in the rain is always fun," Pfau said. "But doing it for Jacque's family and the Safe House for Women is such a good cause."

Jacque Waller's remains were discovered Wednesday. Clay Waller, Jacque Waller's husband, was charged in April 2012 with the first-degree murder of Jacque Waller and two counts of tampering with evidence. In October 2011, Clay Waller pleaded guilty to federal Internet threat charges against Cheryl Brenneke and was sentenced in January to five years in a federal penitentiary on those charges. Clay Waller is scheduled to go on trial for the murder of Jacque Waller on Sept. 9 in Cape Girardeau County. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder and tampering charges.

Clay Waller's attorney, District Defender Chris Davis with the public defender's office, said his office will not comment on the case.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

1157 S. West End Blvd., Cape Girardeau, Mo.