Mary Alice Janssen

Mary Alice Janssen August 19, 1932 - February 1, 2025

Mary Alice Janssen, 92 of Freeport, beloved follower of Christ, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born August 19, 1932 in rural Freeport, Illinois the daughter of Ulysses and Esther Siemens of Baileyville where she grew up with her parents and older brother Paul. They were active members of the Baileyville Baptist Church. She attended Pleasant Prairie Academy in German Valley and graduated in 1950. After graduation, Mary worked as a telephone operator in German Valley. Later she met the love of her life Millard Janssen through her best friend in school, Shirley Janssen Fricke. Mary and Millard married October 15, 1950 at Baileyville Baptist Church.

They raised 6 children and lived on a 160 acre farm. Besides being a devoted wife and loving mother, Mary was a farmer’s wife working on the family farm milking cows, raising chickens, looking after their family dog Shep amongst other family pets like “Cooney” the raccoon. Mary’s hobbies included playing the organ, playing accordion, journaling, writing children’s stories, but the very most important thing to Mary was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; teaching them how to love like Jesus. Every card she ever mailed had a written Bible verse spreading God’s love any way she could. Mary was loved by anyone who met her. She enjoyed visits from her family and making ice cream floats.

Mary loved classic cars and was a regular attendee of the car show at Wendy’s on Wednesdays after church. She also enjoyed watching Nascar races. She loved listening to hymns and had an amazing talent of teaching herself how to play piano by ear. She was an active member at church and often played piano and organ. She also enjoyed playing the accordion with her oldest daughter Sharon. Their family was even invited to sing and play organ and accordion at other churches.

Life brought struggles, but she remained strong in her faith. Losing her oldest daughter to cancer at the age of 40, her husband at the age of 70, and an infant great grand-daughter. She continued to praise the Lord and show us how to remain strong in our faith.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Ulysses and Esther Siemens, daughter Sharon Cowan, brother Paul Siemens, husband Millard, and great-grandaughter Emma Kate Schultz.

Mary is survived by five children, Dennis (Coleen) Janssen of Freeport, IL, Diane (Harold) Oxley of Freeport, IL, Colleen (Jason) Buol of Monticello, WI, David (Tina) Janssen of Rockford, IL, and Ronald Janssen (Therese) of German Valley, IL; 15 grandchildren Jackie (Shane) Schultz, Jennifer Sacca, Andi (Steve) Peterson, Josh Cowan, Denise (Greg) Kline, Christine Janssen (Zach), Lindsey (Nick) Huenefeld, Dustin (Meagan) Weckerly, Rachel (Ryan) Blake-Oxley, Derek (Briana) Janssen, Mitchell (Kristen) Weckerly, Taylor (Stephanie) Weckerly, Ron (Caroline) Oxley, Abbey (Regan) Wiesneski, and Kayla Janssen; 29 great-grandchildren with one on the way; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on 2/7/25 at the Baileyville Baptist Church in Baileyville, IL with Pastor Gary Branam officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to time of service.

Burial will be at Cranes Grove Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. A memorial has been established in her name.

A special thank you to Rachel Hartog, Mary’s wonderful caregiver for the past 11 years and to the amazing staff of Heartland Hospice for their kindness and care especially, Susan Albright.