Janis L. Walker

Janis Walker, 75, of Ottawa, IL, passed away peacefully on January 19th, 2024. She was born in Ottawa to Delmar and Marge Henneke on June 10th, 1948. Jan grew up near Serena and attended Serena High School, graduating in 1965. Jan went to college in Chicago at the Ray Vogue Institute. While in Chicago she met the father of her 3 sons. She married Al Walker in Johnstown, New York in 1967. They remained there until 1977, when Jan and her boys returned to Ottawa. Jan was employed for 30 years at the La Salle County Nursing Home as a certified nursing assistant. She cared for hundreds of residents over her 3 decades at the home. She cherished helping others. She retired from the nursing home in 2008. Jan was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. While there, she served on the Altar Guild and peeled thousands of pounds of potatoes for the annual Sauerkraut Supper. After retirement, she enjoyed seeing her 12 grandchildren grow up. She spent countless hours watching everything from dance recitals to ball games. Her family meant everything to her. Which was evident by the multiple drive byes past each of their houses, checking to make sure they are safe and sound. She also enjoyed weekly breakfast & lunch outings with her friends. Jan was preceded in death by her parents Delmar & Marge; nieces Kim Calhoun and Kelly Henneke. She is survived by her brother Chuck Henneke, her sons Sean (Maggie) Walker, Aaron (Mindie) Walker, & Phil (Rosie) Walker, and her 12 grandchildren Amanda & Mick Walker, Abbey, Makensey, Sam, Emma, Max, Hank, Hanna, & Lucy Walker, Drew & Emily Walker, and nephew Kane Henneke. Visitation will be at Ottawa Funeral Home Tuesday from 4PM-6PM. The funeral will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday at 10AM with Pastor David Daniel officiating. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church or The Ottawa YMCA.