Marilyn J. Janssen

Marilyn J. Janssen, age 80 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Parkview Home in Freeport. She was born on October 10, 1945 to Donald and Esther (Swalve) Janssen in Freeport. She as a 1963 graduate of Shannon High School and graduated from the Rockford School of Business and Engineering in 1964. Following graduation she was employed at Newell Companies for five years, then worked at Economy Fire and Casualty Company from 1970 – 1990. Marilyn retired from General Casualty Company as a claims adjuster in 2008 after 19 years of employment.

Marilyn was a member of Zion Community Church near Pearl City until 2012 and at that time transferred her membership to Bethany United Church of Christ in Freeport where she served on Consistory and was active in their music program, including directing the choir. She enjoyed playing the piano and clavinova and played flute from the time she was in fifth grade. Her mother instilled the joy of music in her and her sister, Elaine, and they sang duets for many years in church. Marilyn was also a member of the Freeport Choral Society at the time of her passing.

Marilyn earned her private pilots license in June 1972 and spent many hours flying out of the family farm airstrip, as did her dad and older brother, Norman. She loved the outdoors and helped on the family farm. She especially enjoyed working in the garden with her mom, and in later years enjoyed her own flower and vegetable gardens at her homes in Freeport. Marilyn was especially fond of animals and owned several dogs in her lifetime. She leaves behind her special furry friend, Jazmin, whom she loved with all of her heart. She also treasured the many trips she and her special friend, Veneta Agney, took to many places in the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. They also spent time in Europe and Central America. She was an amateur photographer and loved taking picture in order to memorialize each excursion.

Marilyn is survived by her brother, Eldon (Kathy) Janssen of Monroe, WI; sister, Elaine Terpening of Lakeville, MN; and longtime friend, Veneta Agney of Freeport, IL.

Also surviving are her nephews and nieces and their families: Scott (Julie) Janssen (Meredith, Ashley and Trevor); David Janssen (Drake and Emily); Tim (Nicole) Janssen (Henry and Eli); Michael Janssen’s children (Elizabeth and Brooklyn); Rebekkah (Kevin) Gors (Hallie); Brenda (Brian) Rockey (Callina, Kendalynn and Wyatt); Eric (Julie) Janssen (Colton); Kristine Terpening; Ryan (Michelle) Terpening (Noah); Kevin (Michele) Terpening (Ethan and Lilly); and Rachel Terpening (Norrie and Mellie).

Marilyn is pre-deceased by her parents; her brother, Norman; nephew, Michael Janssen; great-niece, Sarah Janssen; great-great niece, Leighton Updike.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bethany United Church of Christ in Freeport. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. also at Bethany UCC with a visitation before the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for Friends Forever Human Society of Freeport. Condolences may be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.