Joan L. Buntjer of Freeport died Thursday, April 1st.  She had recently been a resident at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore (a memory care facility).

She was born Nov. 4 ^th , 1932 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Ivan C. Miller and Louise Noe Miller.  On February 14 ^th , 1953, she married Willard W. Buntjer in Polo, Illinois.

Joan graduated from Polo High School in 1950.  In addition to being a housewife and helping out on the family farm, she worked as a Deputy Clerk at the Stephenson County Courthouse in Freeport, and at the True Value Hardware Store in Freeport (primarily as a Book Keeper).  She was also the owner and operated a natural health food store in Freeport for a few years.  She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Freeport.  Joan volunteered at the Freeport Area Church Cooperation (FACC) for many years.  She was active in the church, singing in the church choir, delivering Meals on Wheels, and volunteering for other church functions.

Joan enjoyed her daily walks, playing cards, reading, visiting with friends, doing yard work, and baking for her family and especially her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed researching genealogy.  She was a dedicated mom and always put the needs of her kids and family ahead of herself.

She is survived by her son Ted (Deborah) Buntjer of Sycamore; Jane (James) O'Connor of Freeport; two grandchildren, Jacob and Lauren O'Connor of Freeport; one sister, Carol Fluegel of Dakota; one brother, Charles (Sally) Miller of Orangeville; one sister-in-law, Nancy Miller of Polo; one brother-in-law, Alvie Myers of Pecatonica; and 19 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard Buntjer; brother, Roger Miller; sister, Lois Myers; and a brother-in-law, Fred Fluegel.

A special thank you to Lincolnshire Place and Heartland Hospice for their care.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 8, 2021 at 11 AM, at St. Joseph's Catholic in Freeport, IL. Friends may call at the church after 10 AM until the time of service.

A memorial has been established in her memory for the Alzheimer's Association.