Janet Logan Ong, age 90, a resident of Windsor Park in Carol Stream, died Monday, August 7, 2023.  She was born September 11, 1932, in LaSalle, Illinois, to Leonard & Buela Logan.

Growing up on her family's farm near Starved Rock, Janet was educated in a one-room school until she attended Ottawa High School. She loved to learn. Adventures with her many cousins, square dancing, and raising prize-winning pigs in 4-H filled her formative years. It was on a 4-H trip to Brookfield Zoo that Jan met her future husband, Willard Ong.

Jan graduated from Northern Illinois University in 3 years and held a Master's Degree in education. She taught elementary school for more than 4 decades, primarily serving District 200's Special Education students. She earned the respect of families and colleagues at Longfellow, Lowell, Emerson, Sandburg, and Washington schools. Mrs. Ong was a beloved teacher—fun-loving yet firm—who believed in each of her students.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, Jan was President of the Wheaton-Glen Ellyn Chapter of the American Association of University Women. She chaired its renowned book sale and stored the many hundreds of unsold volumes in her basement until the next year's event.

Jan faithfully served the Winfield United Methodist Church for nearly 5 decades. God used her teaching skills as she led Sunday School for all ages and Vacation Bible School. She held Bible studies at her church, in her home, and at the schools where she taught. She loved her dear friends in the United Methodist Women. Although she declared herself "not crafty," Jan did all she could to support their annual bazaar as long as it did not involve sewing, Styrofoam, or gluing glitter on pine cones.

Her organizational abilities made her an excellent Chair of the Winfield UMC Administrative Board and a wise delegate to the Northern Illinois Annual Conference. The Conference certified Jan as a Lay Leader, allowing her to provide pulpit assistance when called upon.

Her love for her own rural roots encouraged Jan to serve the people of Appalachia through annual trips to Red Bird Mission, where she taught and encouraged leaders in the hill country of Kentucky.

Alongside Rev. George Woosnam, Jan co-directed a week-long United Methodist Junior Camp for many years. Children from rural, urban, and suburban areas gathered at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, IL, to learn about God's love for them and to have fun together. Time spent with George, their beloved counselors, and the children were some of her fondest memories.

By God's grace and diligent effort, Jan celebrated over 40 years of sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. As part of her own recovery, she brought meetings to imprisoned women and girls in juvenile detention centers. Jan's family is deeply grateful to the loyal "Friends of Bill" who brought her meetings while she was homebound at Windsor Park.

Jan was preceded in death in 2008 by her beloved husband Willard. Theirs was a faithful marriage of nearly 54 years; modeling love, steadfastness, and service to others. They were dedicated parents who nurtured and encouraged their two children, David and Dee. Janet and Willard were grateful for their home in Door County. Few things made them happier than sharing a fish boil and a Door County sunset with family and friends.

Jan is survived by her two children, David (Christa Lopez) Ong of Aurora and Dee (Ron) Netzel of Wheaton; two granddaughters, Naomi (Chance) Knight and Sophie Allegra Joy Netzel; and one great grandson, Mac Knight. Jan is survived by her sister Ruth Lynn (the late Albert) Zolin.

A Celebration of Janet's life will be held at New Hope United Methodist Church, 643 East Washington Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Relatives & friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. A private burial was held at Fairview Cemetery in Tonica, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Jan's Giving Page ( https://www.donorschoose.org/giving/in-memory-of-janet-ong/22248299/ ) or the Door County Bookmobile ( www.bookmobiledoorcounty.org ) in honor of Jan's commitment to increasing literacy and helping special needs students reach their full potential.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.