Louise J. Wallin

LOUISE J. WALLIN
(ALEXANDER)

Louise Wallin, who committed her life to caring for sick and injured animals at her farm in Manhattan, Ill., died Thursday Nov. 1, at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Ill. She was 71.

Louise was born in Gordon, Neb. to Ruth and Virgil Alexander. She acquired her lifelong affection for horses and other animals during her summers working on family ranches in Nebraska and Wyoming. After moving to Dekalb, Ill., she graduated from Northern Illinois University and married Jerry Wallin, of Dekalb, in 1968. She worked in the executive offices of Marshall Fields, and shortly after, she and Jerry began taking in and fostering animals in what would become her lifework at their Miracle Acres farm.

Beyond providing a helping hand to animals, Louise had a marvelous ability to make friends and keep people laughing.

Her health took a number of turns. Eight years ago after moving to New Lenox, Ill., she started a wonderful relationship with her service dog, Lola, who helped her confront many difficult health issues.

Louise will be missed by her husband Jerry Wallin, brother, Lee Alexander, brother-in-law, Jim Wallin, sister-in-law, Judy Maxwell nephews, Kurtis Alexander, Kristopher Alexander, Todd Wallin and niece Amy Miller.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451 on Monday, November 5th, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Funeral service, Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. For information 815-485-3700