Janet Serdar

Janet Pearl Hire Serdar, 86, of Zion, IL passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 9, 2024. She was born July 8, 1938 in Zion, IL to the late Richard F. and Elsie Hire. Janet graduated from Zion-Benton Township High School with the Class of 1956. In her youth she was employed by the First Savings and Loan in Zion and then retired as a Corporate Executive Secretary from

Johnson Motors-Outboard Marine in Waukegan, IL. She was a member of the Zion Concert Band, served on the board of the Mahon Mission, played piano for nursing home Sunday School services, accompanied several choirs, and taught piano to many students. She also enjoyed singing in choirs and especially in the quartet with her 3 sisters.

Janet enjoyed playing golf, doing crochet, taking long walks, painting and traveling. A favorite destination was Florida and going to Spain was a highlight! She was known to be the one with the camera, taking pictures at every event she attended. Her love for the Lord was a beautiful part of her testimony and she was a prayer warrior for those around her. Most of all she loved spending time with family and her special friends. She was amazing at keeping up with sending cards to loved ones on special days. Janet took pride and joy in making pizza each Sunday night at the Hire home for many years. Dessert was the best if it included her chocolate chip cookies and her favorite chocolate ice cream. She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her dearly. She gave so much of herself to those close to her that needed caregiving and help. Including many trips to the airport, doctor visits, and just sitting with a listening ear. She was selfless, sweet and gracious in caring for her parents, sister and many others at their time of need. She was a true example of God’s love.

Janet is survived by her sister, Alyce and brother in law, Cleburn McIlhany, brother-in-law Burton Suttie, many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as a multitude of great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Serdar, sister Edith Jean and brother in law, Arnold Studebaker, and sister, Kathel Suttie.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion IL. with a celebration of Janet’s life to follow at 2:00 pm.