Jeanne Eleanor (Stoeffler) Johnson, 97, of Sycamore, died Thursday, March 12, 2026, in her home with her daughters at her side.

Born December 27, 1928, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Charles Theobold & Edna Mary Stoeffler. Jeanne graduated from Foreman High School, Chicago, IL in 1946.

Jeanne married Paul Frederick Johnson on September 14, 1951, at Buena Memorial Presbyterian Church in Chicago. They lived in Oak Lawn, IL, Glen Ellyn IL, and moved to Sycamore in 1967 where they lived out the rest of their lives.

Jeanne was actively involved at Sycamore United Methodist church as a Sunday School teacher, VBS leader, & active circle member. She was the Administrative Assistant for 25 years at Sycamore UMC. serving cheerfully & professionally through 10 different pastors, always flexibly adapting to the various personalities, preferences, and gifts of each one.

Though she faithfully served the church, Jeanne's family was always a priority & first "ministry". She knit, crocheted, cross-stitched, and sewed her entire life, donating baby hats to Kishwaukee hospital for newborns by the 100's and over the years! She was a Cub scout leader for her son's troop and a Brownie leader for her daughters. Jeanne was an avid bridge player, belonging to & enjoying several monthly bridge groups well into her 95th year of life. She was always up for games of Scrabble, Yahtzee, and cards with kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.  Jeanne LOVED animals of all kinds, especially dogs & cats. She'd have adopted them all if she could!

She & husband Paul planned & took many travels with their children through their childhoods. As empty nesters, they went to England with the church group, hosted guests from England in their home, spent several autumn weeks in Door County WI, wintered a month or two in Gulf Shores, Alabama for many years. After Paul's death Jeanne traveled with her son & daughters to experience new landscapes and places as well as to visit grandchildren in other states.

Jeanne is survived by one son, Bruce (Deborah) Johnson of Rochelle; two daughters, Nancy (Andrew) Pitsch of Sterling, and Brenda (Brian) Henke of Clare; grandchildren Ken Johnson, Kelly (Jeff) Newman, Kristina (Tom) Johnson, Kevin (Julie) Johnson, Amy (Paul) Purtell, Ethan (Amy) Pitsch, Victoria (Andy) Nuetzel, Whitney (Brandon) Keilman, Richard Henke, Matthew (Darby) Henke, Briana (Matthew) Painter; 17 great grandchildren; and 14 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, a granddaughter, Jennifer Pitsch Lienau in 2016, a sister Dorothy Homburg, and her parents.

Jeanne's visitation will be Friday, March 20th, from 10am-11am at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave, Sycamore. Funeral service will begin at 11am at the church with Rev. Luis F. Reyes officiating. Burial will follow the service at the Elmwood Cemetery, 901 South Cross Street & Charles St, Sycamore, IL. There will be a luncheon at the church upon return from burial at Elmwood Cemetery. All are welcome & invited to stay for fellowship!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sycamore Methodist Church (www.sycamoreumc.org) or the Barn on Baseline Animal Shelter & Adoption Center (www.thebarnonbaseline.org), both very "near & dear" places in Jeanne's heart & life.

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com