Betty Jean Ohlendorf

Betty Jean Hack Ohlendorf, 95, of Beecher passed away on Monday, January 17 at Beecher Manor Nursing Home. Jeanie was born on October 2, 1926, in Chicago Heights, IL to Albert (Pat) and Marie (Deneke) Hack. She was an only child and grew up in a very unique environment. As the family owned and operated the funeral home in Beecher for over 135 years, it was a huge part of her life. She was a graduate of Beecher High School and Worsham’s College of Mortuary Science. Jeanie was a 50- year Illinois Funeral Director Association Licensee and one of the first females with those credentials in the State of Illinois. Betty Jean was a businesswoman before her time. She was an owner of Hack Funeral Home and Ambulance Service serving as the bookkeeper, cosmetician and organist. She worked daily well into her late 80’s. Jeanie married Erwin (Oikie) Ohlendorf on August 3, 1946. Together they had three children; Gwen Dean, Vicki (Steve) Squier and Greg (Melissa) Ohlendorf all of Beecher. She was also blessed with four grandchildren; Clint (Nicole) Squier, Brett (Danielle) Dean, Leah (Joe) Squier-Falaschetti, and Cameron (Erika) Ohlendorf and six great-grandchildren; Dylan Squier, Olivia and Bennett Dean, Ty and Max Falaschetti and Theodore Ohlendorf. Betty Jean is preceded in death by her husband and son-in-law John Dean. Jeanie loved Beecher and was active in the community. She was a life- long member of Zion Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Beecher Women’s Club for over 70 years and the Amvet’s Post 67 Auxiliary and a past-president of both. She was among the original volunteers of the Beecher Community Library. Jeanie also was involved with the Beecher Part-time Players as a makeup artist. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20 from 4-8 PM with services on Friday, January 21 at 10 AM at the place she called “home”. Her final resting place will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Beecher. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Betty Jean Ohlendorf Memorial Fund. The donations will be given to the various organizations that had an impact on her life. 1 Peter 5 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.” The family requests that those who wish to pay their respects be fully masked while in the funeral home.