Pamela A. Jahns

Pamela “Pam” Ann Jahns, age 81, of Dixon, IL, died Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. She was born May 6, 1944, in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Elmer and Genieve Ory.

Pam met Lewis “Fred” Whetzel and married in 1962; together they had three daughters. Though they later parted, they remained amicable. Pam later met Richard “Dick” Jahns—by the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in 1973—and they married on June 29, 1974. With their marriage, two families became one.

Pam worked as an accountant and bookkeeper throughout her career at Brazil Products, Monitor Manufacturing, and SVI International before retiring. She and Dick moved from Elburn, IL, to Oregon, IL, where they enjoyed their home and peaceful days along the Rock River.

In her free time, Pam was an avid reader, bird watcher, and lifelong animal lover. She had quite the following, as she was never without a pocketful of dog treats. She was passionate about her flowers and plants, both indoors and out. She found joy in the outdoors—nurturing her many gardens and relaxing as she cast a line into the Rock River. Pam lived her faith with unwavering devotion and found peace each morning with her Bible. She had a kind, gentle, and compassionate heart and always lent an ear to anyone in need.

After raising her children, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and her grand‑pups. Following the loss of her beloved husband, Pam made a new home in Dixon, IL, accompanied by her much‑loved dog, Finley, and her cat, Doc.

Pam was predeceased by her husband, Dick Jahns; her parents, Elmer and Genieve Ory; her in‑laws, Raymond and Marion Jahns; her sister and brother‑in‑law, Lynn and Frank Maly; her brother, Russell Ory; her son‑in‑law, Paul Heyob; her step‑daughter, Angie Landmeier; and two step‑grandsons, Ryan and Timothy Landmeier.

She is survived by her five children: Anna (Tom) Mainhart of Amboy, IL; Judy (Brad) Reinhardt of Shelbyville, IL; Dawn (Phil) Griswold of Dixon, IL; Richard Jahns, Jr. of London, KY; and Monty (Chris) Jahns of Sugar Grove, IL; two sisters, Sister Carol Jean Ory of Milwaukee, WI, and Donna (Jason) Zynel of Bonita Springs, FL; as well as several grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and special friends Carl and Harriet Washburn.

A Celebration of Pam’s Life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Sheridan’s Walton Tap from 1–4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her name to Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon, IL. The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice and Home for the loving care extended to Pam and her family.

Donation Link for Granny Rose Animal Rescue of Dixon, IL

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