Gerald William Janssen

Coatsburg, IL

SEPT. 12, 1933 – MAY 25, 2026

Gerald William Janssen, 92, of Coatsburg, Illinois, passed away at 1:45 a.m. Monday, May 25, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.
Born September 12, 1933, at the family home in rural Coatsburg, Gerald was the son of Bernd and Fredericka “Rickey” Louise Schaefer Janssen. He married Ruth Heubner on April 16, 1976, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg. She survives.
Gerald was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg. He remained active in the church throughout his life, serving numerous terms as a council member, singing in the choir, helping with landscaping projects, and sponsoring many youth groups over a span of 40 years.
Growing up, Gerald attended Brushy School north of Coatsburg on the farm currently owned by his son. The family still owns the old school bell to this day. He graduated from Maplewood School in Camp Point, Illinois, 75 years ago. Following graduation, Gerald continued farming north of Coatsburg until the fall of 2025.
Gerald enjoyed being a member of the Lions Club, helping establish the local ball diamond, and coaching softball. He was an avid bowler and once bowled a perfect 300 game. At one time, he bowled on three different teams in Liberty, Camp Point, Golden, and Quincy.
Gerald will be remembered as a devoted caregiver and family man. Over the years, he became “Grandpa” to numerous foster children, students at both Unity High School and Central High School, and, most especially, to his grandchildren.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his children, Mary Margaret Miller and her husband, Thomas Marshall, and Louis Benjamin Janssen and his fiancée, Tessa Sullivan; ten grandchildren, Benjamin Marshall Miller (Lance Owens), Xavier Elijah Miller, Gerald Thomas Miller (Olivia Williams), Sophia Isabella Ruth Miller, Luke Christian Miller, Joseph David Miller, Alex John Miller, Connor Grant Janssen and his fiancée, Lindsay Maas, Bryce William Janssen, and Austin Michael Janssen; his siblings, Bert Janssen, Valla Lou Dieterle and her husband, Richard “Dick”, and Patricia Kackley; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Janssen and John Frederick “Freddie” Janssen; his sister-in-law, Norma Janssen; his brother-in-law, Ira Kackley; and two nephews, Bradley Janssen and Charles Dieterle.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg. Burial will follow at Graymount Cemetery in Coatsburg.
Visitation will be held Saturday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Coatsburg.
Memorials may be made to Graymount Cemetery or the Community for Christ Assistance Center.
Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.
The Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point is in charge of the arrangements.