Jennifer Ann Halleen

Born July 21, 1970 in Chicago to Robert and Dawn (Ramsey) Halleen, she married Gerald Hanback who passed in 2009.

She was preceded in death by her Mother and Husband.

Surviving are her father Dr. Robert (Dianne) Halleen of Florida; two brothers, Roger (Barb) Halleen of East Peoria, Phillip (Jackie) Halleen of Arizona; one sisters, Kathryn (Kurt) Kramer of Oklahoma; two nieces, Amy (Adam) Towns, Rhiannon Halleen; two nephews, Andy Halleen, Casey Halleen; two great nephews, Abraham and Gabriel Towns; one great niece, Zilah Slone; lifelong friend Laura Ashley of Marquette Heights who has been her “twin”, best friend and caregiver for more than 10 years and beloved dog, Gloria Jean.

She graduated from Peoria High School, go Lions! She attended ICC to complete her Associates degree.

She became a licensed EMT and drove for B&B ambulance, who often sat at the Peoria Speedway to be available for any wrecks that might occur during the race. Jennifer was an EMT and a dispatcher for OSF, for approximately 10 years, managing calls that dispatched Life Flight. She was a volunteer fire fighter for Marquette Heights fire department and retired as a rescue lieutenant. Jennifer was a proud member of the Academy of Science and enjoyed organizing and supporting the group. She was looking forward to holding the position of secretary this fall. She was proud to be the president of the Tri-County Tropical Fish Society in which she and our family had participated since we were young. Jennifer was a lifetime member and participant of Redeemer Lutheran Church and loved Christian music as well as personal visits from her pastor. Jennifer was the Leader and the original Technical Coordinator (Zoom Organizer) of the Chronic Pain Fellowship of Illinois which helped many people have better health and quality of life.

She loved listening to Elton John, Florida Georgia Line and Blake Shelton. She used to make up her own silly songs to address any situation she was in, good or bad. Jennifer was devastated at the loss of our mother, Dawn, but they are now both fully restored and are at the best family reunion possible.

Jennifer was very involved with the Guardian Angel Bassett Rescue and loved fostering Bassett hounds and finding new homes for them. The loves of her life include a basset name Rambo and a group of bassetts all named for the Peanuts characters. Her first beloved service dog, Belle Pattie, has already crossed the rainbow bridge along with Rambo and others. Gloria Jean, her current service dog remains behind and is heartbroken to not be with her mama. The others that remain behind include her family and friends.

Jennifer was all about family and helping others. She had a heart of gold and if she had it and you needed it, she would give it to you, even if it meant she might go without in her own life.

Jennifer was an amazing young woman, stubborn most of the time but always willing to lend a hand. She is already missed by those of us whose lives she touched so richly.

Her graveside service will be held 10 a.m. on Friday April 23, 2021 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Her Celebration of Life gathering will be at held at a later date.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Illinois Parkinson’s Support Group, 1744 Kingsbury Rd

Washington Illinois 61571 or Peoria Area Academy of Science P O Box 3412, Peoria IL 61612-3412.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com