Jill R. Lauster

Jill Renee Lauster (nee Herman) 66, gained her angel wings on February 27, 2026, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet with her loving husband and stepdaughter at her side.

Jill was born on August 2, 1959 in Morris to Dale and Delores Herman. She grew up in Morrisf in the place she dearly loved her entire life. On October 10, 1992, she married the love of her life, Paul T. Lauster at Peace Lutheran Church in Morris IL. They were married for 33 years and never spent a day apart. She built a life centered around family, laughter, hospitality and a beautifully kept home that reflected her warmth, creativity and personality.

Jill graduated from Morris Community High School with the class of 1977, being named Salutatorian of her class. For 37 years, she worked for Exelon, retiring in 2014, after making countless friends.

Jill had an extraordinary gift for making a house feel like home. She was a phenomenal cook and loved to host holiday parties, often volunteering to bring one or two dishes to family gatherings---and always arriving with five. Trying new recipes brought her joy and no one ever left her table hungry. Her favorite tv shows were HGTV and The Cooking Channel and she was a huge fan of The Chicago Blackhawks. Winter trips with her husband, Paul, to Florida were among her favorite traditions, offering sunshine, relaxation, tranquility and new dishes to perfect. She loved all animals and especially enjoyed watching the wrens build their nests every spring and waiting for the hummingbirds to beautify her yard. She and Paul made sure their yard was filled with countless annuals every summer in every color. Her yard was a masterpiece that she and Paul were so proud of. She could have easily become an interior designer and had impeccable taste that was reflected in her beautifully kept home. Their home and their yard were worthy of a magazine spread in House Beautiful.

She will be remembered most for her incredible sense of humor. Jill was genuinely funny---the kind of funny that made people cry from laughing so hard. She had a special gift for retelling stories, and somehow they became funnier every time she shared one of her stories. Her timing, expressions, and playful exaggerations could turn even the simplest moment into a story that the family would laugh about for years. Family gatherings were brighter because she was there, and her laughter, and the laughter she created, was unforgettable. Jill loved unconditionally and above all else, she loved her family with her whole heart. She was incredibly proud of all of her nieces and nephews and showered them with her love and affection.

She had a special way of showing love through thoughtful gifts and steady presence. She and Paul attended birthdays, graduations and milestones big and small. She always knew exactly how to light up a child's face at birthdays and holidays. She was generous in her gift giving and always made sure she had found the perfect gifts for everyone on her list. She loved to play cards and board games and treasured time spent with family around her table, whether for a meal or a game. Every single one of her nieces and nephews inherited her sense of humor and always enjoyed contributing to her witty exchanges. She was especially close to her siblings and their unbreakable bond was filled with shared laughter, loyalty and countless memories that will last a lifetime. Her favorite holidays were 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Dale W. Herman (12/26/1998) and Delores E. Herman (05/10/2025). Left to cherish her memory, her devoted and loving husband, Paul Lauster, her loving sisters Lynn (Chester, deceased) Sparks of Sandwich and Kathy (James) Lutz of Morris and her brother, Gregg (Dixie) Herman of Morris. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Sarah (Mike) Nalley of Punta Gorda, Florida and her stepson, Thomas Lauster of Morris, whom she loved deeply and her grandson Mitchell (Sophia) Perona of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, one great-grandson Sullivan Perona and a brand new great-granddaughter due at any time. Her grandson, Second Lieutenant and Pilot Mitchell Nalley also survives. She leaves to mourn her passing her beloved nephews Shane (Gina) Sparks of Aurora and Kyle (Jessica) Sparks of Yorkville, Brandon Lutz (Godson) of Huntley and Jason Weldon of Warrenville, her nieces Corinne (Rogerio) Yamamoto of Shorewood and Madison Herman of Yorkville, as well as her great nieces and great nephew, Leah and Michael Sparks, Kylie and Ryen Sparks, and Olivia Yamamoto. Also survived by her aunts and cousins who will miss her dearly, and her dear best friends, Kim and Lyle Hecht.

Jill's kindness, humor, humility, generosity and unmistakable laugh now leave a void that can never be filled. But, the stories, traditions and love she gave so freely will continue in the family she cherished above all else. We have lost one of the kindest, most loving souls to walk this earth. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were fortunate enough to have known her. She will be lovingly remembered always. She has been reunited with her parents and her grandparents and is at peace and is no longer suffering. How bright heaven must be right now. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the outstanding staff at Lightways Hospice in Joliet for their warm, compassionate and empathetic care shown to Jill during her brief stay and to her stepdaughter, Sarah for being such a warm and supportive presence. We will never forget the exemplary care and the kindness that you provided to Jill and to our family.

UC Davis and Callahan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and in accordance with Jill's wishes, cremation services have taken place with inurnment at Evergreen Cemetery in Morris.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Jill's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.