Janet L. Walker, of East Dubuque, Ill., passed away at the age of 85 on Saturday, May 18, 2024, while surrounded by her loving family at home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, Dubuque, Iowa.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in East Dubuque Cemetery.

Janet was born on Feb. 17, 1939, in Montevideo, Minn., Janet moved to Illinois at a young age and went to high school in Galena, Ill.

In 1956, she married the love of her life, Lawrence Walker, at St. Mary’s Church, in Galena. She then moved with her husband to East Dubuque, where she spent much of her life as a devoted homemaker and mother.

Her unwavering love for her family was only matched by her equally unshakable faith in God. As a Jehovah’s Witness, Janet spent nearly 50 years both regularly studying the Bible and teaching it to those that showed interest. When she wasn’t practicing her faith, Janet loved to spend her time gardening, reading, boating, playing Euchre and spending time with friends and family. She will be remembered for her contagious smile, joyful sense of humor, hospitality, generosity and genuine concern for both family and strangers.

She is survived by those who will cherish her memory, her husband of 68 years, Lawrence Walker; her children: Mary Ann (Dave) Corpstein of Dubuque, Johnnie (Cindy) Walker of Dubuque, Patti (Mike) Kruse of Dubuque, Jerry (Theresa) Walker of East Dubuque, Diane (Greg) Luerkens of Marion, Iowa, Janie (Dave) Sendt of East Dubuque and Tony (Kim) Walker of Dubuque; 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; her brother, Wayne True of Rock Island, Illinois; sister, Kathy True of Maquoketa, Iowa; and sister-in-law, Ann Schute, Menominee, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Jeanette True, mother- and father-in-law, James and Anna Walker, brothers, Roger and Dale True, sister- and brother-in-law, Mary and Donald Leifker, brothers-in-law, Jim Walker and Art Schute, and infant daughter, Susan.

Janet’s family would like to offer a special thanks to Hospice of Dubuque.