Karoline Janisch

Karoline Janisch, 91, died peacefully on December 21, 2021 in Barrington, IL with her family by her side.

Karoline was born February 26, 1930 in Bernstein im Burgenland, Austria to Josef and Karoline Ulreich. She was the oldest of six children.

Karoline married Wilhelm Janisch on July 5, 1954. They immigrated to Chicago shortly thereafter and created a wonderful life together. They belonged to the Chicago Austrian Club and enjoyed dancing, traveling and spending time with friends. After many years of marriage and always praying for children, they were blessed with twins, a boy and a girl.

Karoline, also known as “Lina” to close friends and family, was always very fun-loving and cheerful. She was an amazing cook and baker, and you never left her house without a fabulous meal. Karoline was also a huge animal lover, and always spoiled the family pets. As a young adult she worked as a nanny in Switzerland and at the famous Café Hawalka in Vienna. After moving to Chicago, Karoline worked at SureSave & Treasure Island grocery stores in Chicago and The Peppermint Stick in Long Grove. After having her twins she became a dedicated stay-at-home-mother and then a devoted “Room Mom” at Armstrong Elementary School in Hoffman Estates. Karoline was always very social, and also sold Avon for many years earning her many sales accolades. She retired from her last job in the Zurich Insurance cafeteria in Schaumburg when she was 72. As a cashier, she proudly knew everyone’s name and was much loved by the employees.  

Karoline’s amazing life will forever be cherished by: her children Wilhelm (Brandi) Janisch of Algonquin and Heidi Janisch of Carpentersville; her beloved granddaughter Sage; her sister Erika Hackl of Vienna, Austria; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews in Austria, and many longtime close friends.

Preceding Karoline in death are: Wilhelm, her devoted husband of 65 years; her parents Josef and Karoline; and siblings Reinhold, Josef, Wilhelm, and Theresia. 

a memorial visitation will be held this Saturday, January 8, 2022 beginning at 1:00 PM until time of a memorial service to begin at 2:00 PM at Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1415 W. Algonquin Rd., (one half mile east of Randall Rd.) Algonquin/Lake in the Hills. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Karoline’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.

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