anet T. Ruefer, 87, passed away on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center – Kenosha.
Born in Rockford, IL on June 11, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Gerda (Wissman) Gardner.
On January 22, 1955, she married Harold Ruefer. He preceded her in death on June 8, 1975. On June 10, 1978, she married Richard Robinson and they later divorced.
Prior to having children, Janet was a Radiology Technician at Rockford Memorial Hospital. After her children grew, she returned to the workforce and was employed in retail at HC Prange’s and JC Penney’s.
Janet was a member at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church and was involved with their Ladies Circle and bible study groups. She enjoyed participating in Ladies Card Club, playing BINGO, painting ceramics, shopping, watching the Hallmark channel, and attending Friday night fish fry.
Survivors include her two daughters, Julie (Michael) Schmit and Jill (Kevin) Kirby; four grandchildren, Alyssa Schmit, Andrea (Tyler) French, Josh Kirby, and Erika Kirby; and two sisters-in-law, Ingrid Gardner and Dena Papantchev Gardner.
Aside from her parents and husband, Harold, she is preceded in death by two brothers, Ron and Len Gardner.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 15th, at St. Mary Lutheran Church, 2001 80th Street, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8800 N Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61115. Facial coverings and social distancing are required to attend services. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Aurora At Home Hospice, www.aurorahealthcarefoundation.org, would be appreciated by the family.
