ROCHELLE — Jane Helen Reineck, 70, passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Jane was born to Ernest and Hisako (Tomonaga) Chisamore on May 21, 1953 in Great Lakes, Illinois. Jane married her high school sweet heart, Craig Reineck, on August 2, 1975. She was a loving mother to her three children: Trisha Rodeghero, Jaime (Ryan) Haedt, and Nicholas (Ann) Reineck. She was the most amazing “Gammy” to her eight grandchildren - Taelynn, Cambrey, Cohen, Leni, Joey, Nelson, Benjamin, and Tate - they were her entire world.

Jane had a special way of lighting up the lives of those who knew her. She brought joy, love, and laughter to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was the epitome of selflessness. Jane touched the lives of those around her with her genuine kindness, unwavering generosity, and infectious joy. Her selfless nature extended beyond her family to her community, where she found joy in serving on numerous Tres Dias weekends and was known for her acts of kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her legacy of compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jane's faith in the Lord was unwavering. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul and served its students for 30+ years. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to the students she taught. Jane found so much joy in teaching her students about Jesus and His love. She spent countless hours cutting construction paper, laminating, and planning for whole-class trips to Florida. She imparted invaluable lessons of kindness, compassion, and love that will forever be etched in the hearts of the 1,500+ children she had the pleasure of knowing and serving.

While Jane loved her own children immeasurably, nothing could compare to the love that she had for her eight grandchildren. Her role as “Gammy” brought her infinite joy - never missing an opportunity to share a laugh, make ice cream, or be their #1 fan (one of her favorite places to be was with Craig in the crowd of a sporting event or dance recital). No matter what, she made sure her grandkids knew she loved them “bunches and bunches in the whole world.” These grandkids are her legacy.

Jane found joy in baking, making ice cream with her grandkids, hosting summer cookouts at the pool with family, having a good belly laugh with her sister, playing dominoes with her mom and dad, visiting Magnolia with her reunion sisters, and hosting her favorite day of the year - “Christmas at Gammy’s house.” To sum it up, Jane was happiest when she was with those she loved.

Jane is preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Milton and Hester Reineck, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Ramona Reineck, and her dear friends Kathy and Deanie. Jane is survived by her parents, husband, children, grandchildren, loving sister/partner-in-crime: Joyce (Tom) Ogden; brother: James (Sarah) Chisamore; brother-in-law: Steve (Julie) Reineck; cousins, nieces, nephews, her beloved reunion sisters, and many amazing friends and former students.

As we mourn her loss, let us remember to be kind, love one another, laugh uncontrollably with someone else, and when you see a bright star in the sky, know Jane is smiling down on you and smile back.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 4 - 8 pm at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle, IL. Funeral will be at 10 am on Friday, February 2 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave, Rochelle with Pastor William Tucker officiating. Burial will follow at the Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the R.T.H.S. Education Foundation. Online guest book at www.UngerHorner.com