Loralee Marie Janssen

Loralee Marie Janssen, 66, of Mt. Morris, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025. She was born on November 30, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, to LeRoy and Dolores (Warchol) Krueger. Loralee grew up in Palatine, Illinois, and graduated from Harper Community College with a degree in Dental Hygiene before settling in Rockford, Illinois. She spent most of her career serving her community as a dedicated dental hygienist. Loralee was deeply involved in her faith and was an active member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, where she devoted her time to the decorating ministry and frequently assisted in preparing for liturgies. Family was always at the center of Loralee’s life. When her children were young, she was actively involved in their school activities, sporting events, recitals, and scouting—especially with the Boy Scouts of America. She later poured that same love and attention into her grandchildren, who were incredibly important to her. A truly multifaceted woman, Loralee had many talents and interests. She found joy in gardening and being surrounded by nature, and she stayed active through hiking, biking, walking, and swimming. An excellent baker and cook, she was especially known for her homemade banana bread and deviled eggs. Artistically gifted, she enjoyed painting and creating arts and crafts, building puzzles as a past time, and she was a talented seamstress who lovingly made costumes for her children and grandchildren for many years. She also earned the affectionate family title of “expert gift wrapper,” as her beautifully wrapped presents were often considered too pretty to open. Loralee also cherished traveling with her family, frequently visiting Hawaii and, in earlier years, taking numerous trips to Canada—creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Janssen; children, Erin (Matt) Bedows, Jamie DeFrancisco, Michael DeFrancisco, Nicholas DeFrancisco; Steve’s children, Stacy (Scooter) Barber, Tracy (Joe) Janssen, Chelsy (Thomas) Jones, Kelsy (Scott) Rogers; grandchildren, Wyatt, Liberty, Ariana, Kathryn; Steve’s grandchildren, Kazmyn, Zadie, Zoey, Ella, Nora, Wesley; siblings, David (Debby) Krueger, Lynn (Steve) Hagedorn; her father, LeRoy Krueger, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, Dolores, and previous husband, John Gurney.

A Celebration of Life Mass for Loralee will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109. A visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.