Earlene Kay Vondran

Earlene Kay Vondran, 72, of Freeport, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026, after a courageous 20+ year battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters.

Earlene was born on July 12, 1953, in Freeport, Illinois, to Earl and Dorothy (Smith) Brandenburg. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1971 and went on to marry the love of her life, Richard Vondran, on September 14, 1974, in Stockton. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion.

Earlene worked as a dietary aide at Parkview Home, where she cared for others with the same compassion and kindness that defined her life. She was a woman of deep warmth, known for her gentle spirit, selflessness, and the way she always put others before herself. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother, and her family was truly her greatest joy.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: attending craft shows, planting flowers, cooking for those she loved, and traveling throughout the US, especially to Michigan, where she cherished time spent with family. Earlene also had a special love for cats, especially her beloved Minnie, who held a cherished place in her heart. She had a fondness for the color purple, a small detail that reflected her bright and caring personality.

Those who knew Earlene will remember her for her kind heart, her quiet strength, and the way she made everyone feel welcomed and loved. She had a gift for caring for others, and her presence brought comfort and peace to those around her.

Earlene is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Vondran of Freeport; her daughters, Tracy (Jason) Peifer of Aurora, Tiffany Vondran of Chicago, and Tara Vondran (Kent Wilden) of Irvine, California; her sister, Donna Ball of Columbus, Ohio; and her cherished granddaughter, Emily Peifer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Douglas Brandenburg.

Funeral services will be held at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home on April 28, 2026, at 2:30 pm. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in her memory.

Earlene’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the love and support.