Freeport - Irene C Kortemeier, 90, passed away peacefully at FHN Memorial Hospital on Thursday, November 13, 2025 after being comforted by her family. She was born on December 7, 1934 in Freeport to the late Clarence and Pearl (Gramley) Jacobs. She was a 1953 graduate of Freeport High School and briefly attended Highland Community College. She married Frederick "Fritz" Kortemeier on May 1, 1954 in Freeport. Together they built a life of love and family.

Irene was employed by several businesses in Freeport including a shoe store, McLellans, Bob's Quality Foods, Burgess Battery office, Freeport School District, Sunshine Pop Dock and B&K Bakery. She retired from Green Hills Council of Girl Scouts as Registrar for over 20 years. She was a member of Bethany Church since age 6. She was a previous member of the church choir, Fidelia Circle and a Sunday School teacher. She was financial treasurer for the church for over 45 years.

She treasured her time spent with family and friends. She attended many sporting events and school activities watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate. She enjoyed playing cards, board games, doing crossword puzzles, word searches and jigsaw puzzles.

She especially loved spending her time with family when they gathered together and there were over 35 people laughing, playing games and eating.

She is survived by her husband, Fritz, of Freeport; her children, Michael (Karin) Kortemeier) of German Valley; Kathleen (William) Moring of Canton, Illinois; Lisa (Scott) Ross of Forreston; Mark (Sandy) Kortemeier of Freeport; her brother, Herb Jacobs, of Freeport and many nieces and nephews.

Her legacy includes 7 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 step great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, Leland and Eleanor Jacobs and sister-in-law, Judy Jacobs.

There will be a visitation held on Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 2-5 PM at Walker Mortuary. Her service will be on Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Bethany United Church of Christ. Her final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial has been established in her name.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com