Johnna M. Bainter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnna Marie (Schmitt) Bainter, a cherished wife, mother, and friend, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 17, 2025, at the age of 32.  Johnna was born on February 27, 1992, in Peru, IL to her parents, Joseph Schmitt and Therese Donna. Johnna attended Peru Public Schools and graduated from Lasalle-Peru High School. She graduated with an undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and went on to earn her Master's degree at Illinois State University.

Johnna married the love of her life and soulmate, Derek Bainter, on December 15, 2018, and together they shared a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and adventures.  In her professional life, Johnna worked with Rockford Public Schools intermittently over the past ten years, leaving a lasting impact on her students and colleagues. In 2023, she took a bold step in pursuing her entrepreneurial spirit by opening her own business, a venture she was deeply proud of.

Johnna was a woman of many passions. She had a talent for crafting, an eye for photography, and a heart full of love for her family and friends. She was dedicated to helping others and found immense joy in being a mother to her son. Johnna had a love for gardening, finding peace and joy in tending to her plants and watching them grow. Her garden was a reflection of her nurturing spirit. Johnna also had a passion for the arts, particularly musicals. She cherished watching the performances and found great joy in the music, storytelling, and vibrant energy of the theater. Johnna always made a point to stay connected with her friends, always making time for those who mattered most. Johnna’s kindness, warmth, and passion for life will be missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love, strength, and friendship will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Johnna’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the incredible nursing staff at the UW Cancer Center, whose compassionate care brought comfort during her hardest days.

She is survived by her husband, Derek Bainter; son, Murphy Russell Bainter; parents, Joe (Kathy) Schmitt and Therese (Jeremy) Severson; sister, Samantha (Chuck) Bernhoft; step-sister, Kelly (Pat) Becker; step-brother, Andy Kromm; brother-in-law, Luke (Erin) Bainter; in-laws, Richard and Diane Bainter; nieces and nephews, Olivia and Charlie Bernhoft, and Cole Bainter; step-nieces and nephews, Baily Pike, Maddie Becker, and Drew Becker; pets, Jeter and Cersei.  Preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Jack and Rita Schmitt; maternal grandparents, Bernadette and Fred Harbour; uncles, Hank Schmitt and Les Lockridge; her beloved dog, Ribea.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111, at 4:00 PM, with a visitation starting at 1:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mucinous Ovarian Cancer Coalition or a trust for her son.

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