Joanne Emily Hutmacher, age 76, died at home on July 14, 2014, surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy illness. She was born on December 16, 1937 in Freeport to Walter and Emma Jacobs. She attended Freeport High School and graduated from HCC Nursing Program. Joanne was employed at FHN Memorial Hospital until her retirement. Joanne and Roger K. Hutmacher were united in marriage on June 19, 1954 in Freeport. Joanne was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed cooking and sharing her food with family and friends.
Survivors include her five daughters Carol (Gary) Shelly of Forreston, Kathy (Greg) Pruitt of Ridott, Colleen (Todd) Reuber of Pecatonica, Brenda (Kevin) Duitsman of Forreston, and Susan (Ky) Gustafson of Forreston; grandchildren Ryan (Laura), Seth, and Joseph Shelly; Jered (Zach), Jeremiah (Nina), and Noah (Christina) Pruitt; Micah (Nilsa), Scott, and Leah Reuber; Jessica and Heidi Duitsman; Ky II (Noelle), Laura, and Kayleigh Gustafson; great-grandchildren Isaac, Grace, Olivia, Lillian, Justin (Katie), Isabelle, Kennedy, Gideon, Melina, Ava, Amelia; great-great granddaughter, Hailey. Other survivors include her brother William Jacobs and Dorothy Getty. She is also survived by her beloved cats, George and Gracie. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roger, son David, sisters Wilma and Nina, and brothers James and Jack.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2014 at Walker Mortuary. Per Joanne's wishes cremation rites will be accorded. Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of her life on Sunday, July 20, 2014 from 1:30-4 p.m. at Warnken Park in Forreston.
Thanks goes to the staff at FHN Memorial Hospital during her recent hospitalization. Her family would like to also thank FHN Hospice for their help and support.