Ina Tjelle

Ina M. Tjelle

Age 84 of Saunemin and formerly of Gardner, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac, Illinois.

Born February 2, 1937 in Morris, Illinois, Ina Marie was a daughter of Peter C. and Vera (Porter) Hansen. She was raised in Gardner and graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1955. Ina worked for the Fairbury Blade Newspaper before gaining employment with Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, Illinois, from where she retired.

Ina was an avid bingo player, and in recent years took pleasure in annual trips to Las Vegas over her birthday. In addition to spending time with friends, Ina cherished attending her grandkids school and sporting events.

Survivors include three children: John Schmidt of Ransom, Illinois, Amy (Jeff) Ward of Wildwood, Missouri and Donny (Keri) Schmidt of Saunemin, Illinois; one daughter-in-law, Becky Schmidt of Bloomington, Illinois and one son-in-law, Howard Brogan of Fairbury, Illinois; (11) grandchildren: Adam Ward, Lauren (Andrea) Bazzoli, Caitlin (Carter) McCracken, Steven Schmidt, Matthew Schmidt (Alison Novakow), Kelsey Schmidt, Kelly (Scott) Henning, Douglas (Brittany) Vaughan, Kristy (James) Berwick, Jordan Kociss and Ryli Schmidt; seven great grandchildren, and one sister-in-law, Lorraine Hansen and one brother-in-law, Benny Grant, both of Gardner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ina was preceded in death by her parents; son, Stephen Schmidt; daughter, Robyn Brogan; grandson, Casey Kohlmeier and siblings: Russell (Ginny) Hansen, Gaylord Hansen, Bobby Hansen, Kenneth Hansen, Wayne (Cathy) Hansen, Marilyn (John) Kociss and her twin sister, Ida Grant.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Gardner on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 12:00 noon until the time of funeral service 1:00 p.m. Reverend Jan Chandler from Church of Hope will officiate, and cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ina’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Ina’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Ina-Tjelle

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. ( 815-237-2526 )