Janine Bartling

Janine Ann Bartling,74, of Manteno, formerly of Richton Park, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026. Born on December 4, 1951, in Macomb, Illinois, Janine lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and service to others. On July 27, 1974, she married the love of her life, Michael R. Bartling, in Macomb, Illinois. Janine was a lifelong educator who dedicated her career to teaching young children. She graduated from Western High School in Macomb and earned her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and her master's degree from Saint Xavier University. She spent 36 years teaching kindergarten at Range Elementary School in Momence, Illinois, where she touched the lives of countless students and families through her kindness, patience, and passion for learning. A faithful member of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Richton Park, Janine's faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She found joy in flowers and gardening and especially enjoyed traveling with her husband during retirement, including memorable visits to Rocky Mountain National Park and other treasured destinations. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family. Janine is lovingly survived by her husband, Michael R. Bartling; her daughter, Angela (Ken) Kleber; her son, Matthew (Amy) Bartling; and her beloved grandchildren: Ryne Bartling, Logan Bartling, Zoey Bartling, Lauren Kleber, and Emily Kleber. She is also survived by her siblings, Connie (Conrad) Deener, John Neil (Ruthann) Watson, and Dean (Debbie) Watson, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Dunbar and Hazel Marie (Ogren) Watson.