Holly S. Janssen (nee Johnson), 77, of Crescent City passed away at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee on January 30, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born on July 9, 1948 in Tinley Park, Illinois to John and Helen “Holly” (Whetherhult) Johnson.

 

Holly moved to Crescent City in 1971 and married Werner Janssen at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on April 8, 1972. He survives.

 

Holly is also survived by her two daughters; Martha (Glenn) Knake of Cissna Park and Emily Janssen of Crescent City; three granddaughters, Alexis Knake of O’Fallon, Illinois, Lauren (Cooper) Johnson of Orlando, Florida, and Mikayla (Kenton) Sinn of Cissna Park; two grandsons, Henry and Augie Schunke of Crescent City; and one brother, Dennis (Aneida) Johnson of Arkansas; several nieces and nephews.

 

Holly was preceded in death by her mother, Holly Hartke; her father, John Johnson; one brother, Michael Johnson; one niece, Sarah Johnson; her in-laws, Emil and Martha Janssen; sister-in-law, Edda Middleton; and brother-in-law, Verdell “Mid” Middleton.

 

Holly was a farmer’s wife and a bookkeeper for many years. She was a jack of all trades and could be counted on to come up with a plan at a moment’s notice. Her family affectionately referred to her as McGuyver. Holly was also a talented miniature enthusiast and spent many hours crafting dollhouses. Holly was known to volunteer wherever she was needed. She spent years cooking eggs on the breakfast shift in the St Peter’s Lutheran Church food tent at the Iroquois County Fair, volunteered at the Red Cross blood drive, and was an election judge. Her greatest joy was crafting and creating projects for her grandkids to complete in her workshop.

 

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service beginning at 4:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

 

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.