Marjorie Joan Launer

Marjorie Joan Launer 88, of DeKalb passed away Friday, December 17, 2021, at O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.  She was born April 14, 1933, in Mattoon, IL and was the daughter of George and Opal (Preston) Arthur.

Joan graduated from Mattoon High School in 1950 and attended Eastern Illinois University.  She married John E. Launer on August 31, 1952, at the First Presbyterian Church in Mattoon, IL.

Joan along with John were devoted charter members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in DeKalb.  She served on numerous committees and was an Elder and a Deacon of the church.  She was a member of P.E.O. International Chapter DX.  She was the initiator and leader for 20 plus years of the Salt Shaker 4H Club, member of the Whirl-Away Square Dance Club, member of the Cotillion Dance group that would preform every year at the Elwood House Christmas.  Joan was Co-Owner of Sports of All Sorts (SOAS) in DeKalb.

Joan worked at Oakcrest DeKalb Area Retirement Center where she started as a volunteer before working full-time in various roles including; activites, residential services, community services and retiring as Community Events Coordinator.  Joan was the original organizer of the annual Oakcrest Christmas Tree Walk and decorated all the trees in each room for twenty five years before retiring in 2020 after working there for 37 years.

Survivors include; husband, John E. Launer of DeKalb, children; Deborah K. Herrick of Genoa, Karen S. Fitzgerald of Lisle, Jim A. (Kim) Launer of DeKalb, and Brenda A. (Tom) Lehan of DeKalb.  Grandchildren; Michael Herrick, Jessica Herrick, Christopher Herrick, John Fitzgerald, Grant Fitzgerald, Emily Launer, Elizabeth Lehan, and Sarah Lehan.  Numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Joseph Herrick, sister; Edna Ball, brothers, Zethie Arthur and Albert Arthur.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 11:00am at Westminster Presbyterian Church in DeKalb with Pastor Blake Richter officiating.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 10:00am at the church until the time of service.  Burial will be Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 1:00pm at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.  Masks and social distancing will be required at all services.  Memorials can be made to the Oakcrest Good Samaritan Fund or Westminster Presbyterian Church in DeKalb.  Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.