Jannis R. Hooper, age 85, of Freeport, passed away peacefully at her home on August 10, 2022. She was born in Rockford, IL on July 30, 1937 to Wesley and Waunetta Drenner.

She worked at Micro Switch for many years. She could also be found working in many restaurants around town including ownership of the Copper Connection in Freeport. She worked at Jacks or Better, Wine and Dine, Germania Club, Holiday Inn, The Esquire and Snitzels to name a few.

In her final years she spent her restaurant time as a patron, mostly at the Big Apple in Freeport. After retirement, she spent time working at Immanuel Lutheran School. She also worked at St. Francis, school and residence for those with special needs. These jobs with children brought her great joy. She was a helper and giver to those around her.  Jannis loved her family and was overjoyed when she could share stories about her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She can be remembered for her great cooking, artistic abilities, elaborate halloween costumes, and being silly to bring out a smile and laugh to those she was with. She enjoyed her time as a racing mom to her two sons who raced for 20+ years.

She is survived by her children Steven (Teresa) Strohecker of Freeport, Scott (Luanne) Strohecker of Freeport, Sheldon (Darci) Strohecker of Freeport, Sherri (Scott) Leopold of Springfield and Lisa (Troy) Yaun of Rockton, IL. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren; Jason and Shawn (Amber) Strohecker, Dylan Stites, Amanda, and Adam Strohecker, Kylee (fiance Jake Curiel) and Corey Strohecker, Justin and Joshua (Jess) Leopold, Elizabeth (Ian) Sullivan, Sara andTyler Yaun. Great grandchildren include Jaxon, Salena, Sierra, and Trent Strohecker, Sofia Babcock, Emma Leopold and Ivy Sullivan. Siblings include Jerry, Cyndi, Kathy, Leslie and Jeannie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.

A thank you to Heritage Woods of Freeport for caring for our mother. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held on September 10, 2022 at Benchwarmers from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.