Duane Walter Janicki (68) passed away peacefully in his home with his faithful dog , Sarah, in his lap on December 15th, 2025.  Loving and devoted father and grandfather, he was born in Freeport, IL on February 10th, 1956.  He graduated from Freeport High School in 1974.  He spent his entire life in Freeport, in the same home, giving his best to the city that he loved.

Duane worked for 22 years for Eagle Country Market before going to work at Toni's Plumbing for 8 years and obtaining his plumbing license.  In 2002 he started his own plumbing business, Janicki Plumbing, with the tag line "take me to your leaker" that always produced a chuckle.  Duane also owned several rental properties in town that served hundreds of tenants over the years.

He had several hobbies that he enjoyed including woodworking, baking, music, gardening, and turning his yard into a field of wildflowers. But his main hobby was people…Duane loved people.  Over the years he has done so much to serve his community, friends, and family.  He regularly volunteered at his church, has served meals to the homeless, been part of a jail ministry, and was always looking for people to share his fresh baked treats.  Duane's biggest passion and source of joy, however, were his kids, grandkids, and dog.  He was always on the lookout for different pizza places to have family pizza nights, but would honestly take advantage of any opportunity to spend time with any of them.  Most days you could also find him at the dog park with his fourth "daughter", Sarah.

Duane is survived by his 3 daughters, Jessica Stuckey, Amy (Michael) May, and Jenna (Justin) Campbell, his 5 grandkids, Charlee, Bella, Aiden, Emma, and Eli, his sisters Jean (Dave) Johnson and Elaine Newburn, and multiple nieces and nephew.  He is predeceased by his parents, Walter and Marian Janicki.

A visitation will be held at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL on December 27th from 4:00-7:00pm, and the funeral will be held at Bible Community Church in Freeport, IL on December 28th at 11:00am with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery.

The family is asking anyone that is willing to come with a story, memory, or words about Duane that they can write down, and any pictures that you're willing to share.  It would mean so much to hear how he has impacted other people in his life.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been designated in his name.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com .