Jeanette Mary Hoppenjans, nee Andres, 86, of Belleville, IL, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Jeanette was born on March 22, 1938, to Bernice and Otto “Andy” Andres in Belleville, IL.
She graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame, Class of 1955 in Belleville and graduated college with a BA Degree in Mathematics from Loretta Heights College in Denver, CO, Class of 1959. She married her high school sweetheart, Albert (Jack) Hoppenjans on December 26, 1959.
In 1959, Jeanette began her career as a Mathematician with the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information Center (ACIC) where she computed the orbits of spacecraft on charts used by astronauts. She also worked on Projects Mercury and Gemini where she programmed equations to compute the effective range of tracking stations used to maintain voice contact with astronauts. She was most proud of her work on Project Apollo where she adapted computer reductions data obtained by astronomers for determining elevations on the lunar service in preparation for the landing on the moon. She continued her career as a Computer Specialist at Defense Information Systems Agency in 1981 and retired in January 1995; with 30 years of Government Service.
Her hobbies included boating, reading, knitting, and playing both pinochle and bridge with her girlfriends. She also enjoyed her many years serving with the St. Clair County Homemakers Extension Association and the philanthropic sorority, Delta Theta Tau. She was a lifetime parishioner of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville, IL.
“Grammy” was known as the “Night Grammy” for all of us when we had our babies and was there when we needed her. She absolutely loved being a Grammy to her nine beautiful grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jeanette enjoyed escaping the cold Midwest winters and spending those months in Fort Myers, FL with Jack, her sister Kathy, and brother-in-law Richie, right next door. Her summer weekends were spent at their “happy place”, which was boating at the lake with lifelong friends.
Jeanette is survived by her loving daughters, Julia Miller of Belleville, IL, Jeanna (John) Dwyer of Plano, TX and Jill (Rick) Rozycke of Freeburg, IL; grandchildren, Ryan (Jill) Miller of Belleville, IL, Jason (Megan) Miller of Edwardsville, IL, Brandon (Melissa) Miller of Swansea, IL, Kelsey (Caten) Hyde of Austin, TX, Alec Dwyer of Plano, TX, Derrick (Madelyn) Rozycke of Smithton, IL, and Brett and Tyler Rozycke of Freeburg, IL; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Grady, Sullivan, Maeve, Jackson, and Owen Miller, and Reese, Leighton, and Presley Hyde; sister, Kathy (Richard) Pucci of Monroe Township, NJ; sisters-in-law, Terry Kastner of Belleville, IL and Edie Andres of Benton, IL; and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Otto Andres; in-laws, Winifred and Albert Hoppenjans Sr.; husband, Albert (Jack) Hoppenjans Jr.; brother, Terry Andres; brother-in-Law, Norman Kastner; son-in-law, Don Miller and grandson, Jordan Dwyer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jordan Dwyer and Landon Crossley Foundation (JDLC.org) in loving memory of her grandson, Jordan Dwyer and his lifelong friend, Landon Crossley. Both were tragically killed by a drunk driver in February 2024. Their foundation will impact lives, build future leaders, serve others, and strengthen our community.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with a Catholic service beginning at 11 a.m.
Casual attire is requested as we celebrate her 86 years.
Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
