Joanne D. Fortner

JoAnne Fortner, 90, died peacefully on Monday, June 23 at Stephenson Nursing Center, Freeport. JoAnne was born October 22, 1923 in Freeport to Edward and Josephine Blehinger. She attended Freeport schools and lived her entire life in her hometown. On December 15, 1940, JoAnne married her life-long love, Elmer Fortner. They were married for 65 years until her husband's death in 2005. Throughout their marriage, JoAnne was a loving partner and help mate to Elmer and a great mom and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. JoAnne was an avid golfer and played for many years in the Park Hills League. Scoring a hole in one was a high point in her golfing years and she still had the golf ball in her possession. She loved watching all sports on television and followed all of the Chicago teams, although she would occasionally root for the Packers, as well. JoAnne played bridge and other card and board games; she loved to read and was still reading two newspapers a day well into her 80s. She and her husband were camping enthusiasts and travelled throughout the United States with their travel trailer and motor home. Some of her fondest memories were of the camping vacations she and Elmer shared. Throughout her entire life she maintained a close circle of friends. JoAnne was a homemaker and expert seamstress and she had her own dressmaking and alteration business for many years. Later she was employed for ten years at General Casualty Insurance . JoAnne was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Survivors include a son, Michael (Gwen) of Freeport; a daughter, Barbara, (Roger Kerr) of Freeport; grandchildren, Karen Kerr, Madison, WI and Daniel Kerr, Scottsdale, AZ, Michael Benson (Andrea) St. Charles, MO; great grandchildren, Logan and Sarah Kerr, Scottsdale, AZ, Isabelle and Olivia Benson, St. Charles, MO; a sister, Helen Brinkmeier, Freeport, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Funeral services will be at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Mark Luepke officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 A.M.until the time of the service. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Please sign the guestbook and leave a memory at www.burketubbs.com.