Georgene F. Johnstone

Georgene Fern Johnstone of Steger, IL passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday March 5, 2023 at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, her parents Edwin and Rose Hartman, a brother Donald Hartman and daughters Janice, Susan, and Karen.

Georgene was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children Charles (Charlene) Johnstone, Rick (Yvonne) Johnstone, Joy (Dennis) Kinney, and Gregg Johnstone. Her grandchildren Shauna, Nicole (Rich), Mia (Nick), Kristofer (Stephanie), Crystal, Erik (Elvira), Stefanie, Rebecca, Aaron, Alexis, Olivia, and Samantha, 20 great grandchildren, and a sister Joann Kraus.

Georgene's career in the insurance field allowed her to meet and assist many people. She wasn't ready to fully stop working upon retiring and took a position as lunch lady where Mrs. Johnstone quickly became a favorite known for her large servings.

Her love for being outdoors showed throughout her life. She spent as much time as she could with her family taking them to her parents’ river home year round. No one could clean a fish like Georgene. She was always outside tending her yard, and Sundays after church were spent with family by a roaring fire.

Her family always brought a smile to her face and, as the family grew, so did the size of the gatherings, and she was always the strong constant holding everything together. She was the quintessential grandma, always having gum in her purse and a hug for everyone, relation or not, and she never met a person she couldn't talk to for hours.

She could light up a room with her smile and her infectious laugh, and her presence will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Services will be held Sunday March 19, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church, 1610 Main Street, Crete, IL 60417 Visitation:1 PM and the church service will follow at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Zion Lutheran Church where Georgene was a member.