Janet K. Blankenhorn

November 16, 1940 - December 9, 2021

Janet K. Blankenhorn, 81, of Freeport, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at FHN Memorial Hospital. Janet was born November 16, 1940, in Freeport, the daughter of William & Lilyan (Strauss) Penticoff. She married Ronald Blankenhorn on September 18, 1960, at Trinity EUB Church in Freeport. She was a 1958 graduate of Freeport High School as well as Rockford Beauty College. Janet spent many years as a hairdresser in Freeport. Along with her husband, she owned and operated Floor Covering Plus for over 25 years. A lifelong Freeport resident, she was a proud Pretzel cheerleader and a 65-year member of Trinity/Harmony United Methodist Church. She was an avid bowler and golfer in her younger years, and she enjoyed reading and playing bridge. She was a loyal fan of the Chicago Cubs, Freeport Pretzel Football and Basketball, and the Highland Community College men’s and women’s basketball teams. Janet loved spending time with her family, which included two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren. She loved supporting them in any way she could, and she was always volunteering to bake their favorite sweet treats. Janet is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ronald; her daughters, Andrea (Mike) Skarlupka and Lisa (Jim) Torrisi, all of Freeport; her grandchildren Nathan Skarlupka of Dubuque, IA, Jenna Skarlupka, Cassie and Emily Torrisi, all of Freeport; sister Marilou (Chuck) Dyson of Rock Island, IL; brothers Eugene Penticoff of Cedar Rapids, IA and Richard (Kristy McCartney) of Freeport; brothers-in-law, Robert (Roylene) Blankenhorn of Brodhead, WI, Gary (Diana) Blankenhorn of New Whiteland, IN; sister-in-law, Colleen Blankenhorn of McHenry, IL; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters-in-law Florence Penticoff and Beverly Blankenhorn, and brother-in-law, William Blankenhorn. Services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Harmony United Methodist Church, 2600 West Pearl City Road, Freeport, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am – time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in her name with monies being disbursed to local organizations. Janet’s family would like to thank the staff of the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center for the amazing care every one of the staff provided her throughout her journey.