Joanne Ruth Schamberger

Joanne Ruth Schamberger, 81 of Freeport, passed away, Sunday March 26, 2023 in her home, surrounded by loving family. She was born October 9th, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Virgil and Ruth (Grimme) Cable. She was raised in Chicago and graduated from Fenger High School. Joanne went on to graduate from Northwestern University and was one of the first 200 women to become a Dental Hygienist in the state of Illinois, an accomplishment that she was very proud of. During her 50 year career as a hygienist she made many friends in the different practices where she worked. This girl from the "big city" soon made her way to Stockton, Illinois where she met the love of her life, Gary, while sitting at a stop sign just outside the dental office. Gary thought it would be a great idea to get her attention by bumping into her new convertible with his Schamberger Trucking milk truck. That day led to a life full of adventure, laughter, friendships, and love before Gary's passing in 1992.

Joanne and Gary married April, 21st, 1963 in Chicago, Illinois and made their first home in Evanston, Illinois. Years later, they moved to Polo, Illinois. After the heartbreaking loss of their infant son, Bobby, they found joy again in the birth of their daughters Wendy and Sandra. Joanne and Gary were very involved in the Polo community and made many lifelong friends. One of their favorite events was working the Polo Town and Country Days with their fellow Jaycees and Jaycettes. While in Polo, Gary and Joanne opened Iron-T-Junction, at their first location in Lena, Illinois in 1978. The family business culminated in a 35 year run at their Freeport location on Meadows Drive. In 1982 the family moved to Freeport and joined Faith United Methodist Church. Joanne was an active member of the church for more than 40 years and served on many committees including Staff Parish Relations and Trustee.

Joanne was also a graduate of the 1994 Highland Leadership Institute. Her experience in the Leadership Institute fueled her passion for helping others and led to the development of Mother Hubbard's Kiddie Cupboard. One year later in 1995, along with the support of the community, Mother Hubbards received first place honors in the Governor's Hometown Awards. Joanne's belief was that no child under the age of four in Stephenson County should ever be wet, cold or hungry. For nearly 30 years with the help of many wonderful volunteers this program has continued to grow and flourish.

Joanne's accomplishments in her career and community service brought her much joy. But her greatest joy came from being Mom and Grandma JoJo. She had a genuine and treasured bond with each one of her grandchildren. She was always there celebrating and encouraging them in all of their activities, sports and life events. We knew she was always watching and always will be.

Joanne was preceded in death by her husband Gary, infant son, Robert Dean and her parents.

She is survived by her daughters, Wendy (Todd) Barr of Freeport, IL and Sandra (Jason) Barmore of Lakewood, CO; brother Robert (Barbara) Cable of Freeport, IL. Her Grandchildren: Abby and Jacob Barmore of Lakewood, CO, Madelyn and Nathan Barr of Freeport, IL. Her nieces and nephews: Cindy (Greg) Gordon of Freeport, IL, Todd (Kris) Cable of Johns Creek, GA; Randy (Vicki) Schamberger of Lena, IL, Roger Schamberger of Lena, IL and Susan (Donny and Grace Fox) Schafer of Lena, IL. Special family friends, Penny and Kortney Heckman of Freeport, IL.

The family would like to extend a special thanks for the compassionate loving care of the FHN Hospice team, in particular, Kim, Stacy, Andrea and Deb.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2023 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 17, 2023 at Faith United Methodist Church, with a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established.