Lucille E. Jarka

Lucille E. Jarka, 94, of Bradley, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 21, 1931, in Chebanse, Lucille was the daughter of Arthur and Edith (Peters) Rahn. She grew up in a close-knit family and carried with her the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion throughout her life. In her younger years, Lucille worked at Erickson’s Bakery, where she nurtured her love of baking—something she continued to share with her family for the rest of her life. She also worked full time at Roper in repair parts. In 1976 she became part of the clerical staff at Dataproducts in California, where her diligence and warmth touched many colleagues. On December 4, 1971, Lucille married Bernie H. Jarka, at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Together they built a home and family filled with laughter, good food, and the company of family and friends. Bernie preceded her in death on January 1, 2011, but their story remained an enduring part of her life. Faith was central to Lucille’s journey. She was not only a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse but also on the ground breaking committee for its current location as well as a volunteer church secretary—something she took great pride in. Lucille was a homemaker whose gifts extended far beyond the walls of her home. She loved bowling, gardening, sewing, and crafting, but was happiest when gathered around her kitchen table, baking, talking, jigsaw puzzles and cooking for the people she loved most. She was the family historian who loved scrapbooking and documenting family events and milestones. She cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and family, who were the true joy of her life. She greatly looked forward to the occasional hot fudge sundae treat from Dairy Queen. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Learned, three grandchildren: Jordan, Justin, and Lauren Learned, two stepsons and one step daughter, as well as one great-grandchild on the way and many nieces and nephews who will carry on her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernie; her sisters, Darlene Hartman and Betty Dummer; and her brothers, Marvin Rahn, Laverne Rahn, and Durl Rahn. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home in Kankakee. An additional visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, until the time of the 10:30 a.m. funeral service at Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Pastor Benjamin Hayter will officiate. Burial will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Aroma Township. Memorials may be made in Lucille’s honor to Zion Lutheran Church in Chebanse. Lucille will be remembered for her generous spirit, her unwavering faith, and the love she poured into her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she started, the recipes she passed down, and the countless lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.

Lucille E. Jarka

July 21, 1931 - September 10, 2025