Dixie Lynn Jaranson, 84, of Fox Lake, IL, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at St. Luke's Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI. She was born on August 5th, 1941, in Fox Lake, IL to the late John and Floradine (nee Garretsen) Samec.

Family & Relationships

Dixie was a loving wife for 66 years to Morris Jaranson. She was a devoted mother of two: Vicky and Patrick. She was known as "Granny" to her 2 Grandchildren and "Still Granny" to her 4 Great Grandchildren. She was a dear friend to many.

Early Life

She grew up in Fox Lake, IL, and attended Grant High School. It was there she met the love of her life, Morris Jaranson. They married in 1959.

After marrying, they started their family in California at the Marine Base – Camp Pendleton, where they welcomed their daughter, Vicky. They later welcomed their son, Patrick, after relocating back to their roots in Fox Lake, IL.

Professionally, Dixie worked at Shady Lane Grade School in Fox Lake, IL, while raising her children and was known for her “spitfire/funky” personality. Later, she singlehandedly ran the office for M. Jaranson Masonry for 31 years, a significant accomplishment as computers became essential in offices. Dixie was part of the second generation of Jaranson masons and played a vital role in growing the family's masonry legacy, that survives today.

Community Involvement

Dixie was an integral part of bringing about the Grant Little League project, which created a large baseball field complex at Deer Haven Park in Fox Lake, IL. Her basement was famously filled with fundraising chocolate bars to support this project. When not working or fundraising, she was often found loudly cheering for Pat and Vicky at their sporting events. She consistently put her family and others first.

Passions & Hobbies

Dixie had a passion for creating memories and gifts for her loved ones. She dedicated time to her Grandchildren, attending their events and funding their interests. Her love for flowers was insatiable, transforming her Fox Lake home into the “Botanical Garden of Fox Lake,” with many cherished breakfasts had in the Jaranson Gazebo. In the kitchen, she was renowned for her downhome recipes and baked goods, particularly her Christmas cookies and Pumpkin Torte.

Her “Granny Fruit Bowl” was a highly anticipated dish at family gatherings. Dixie wielded her crochet hook to create personalized baby blankets, custom pot holders, and her FAMOUS kitchen “Scrubbies” (affectionately known as “Love Tokens”). She enjoyed shopping, especially with her Bestie Evie, mastering sales and discounts at stores like Kohls. Her gifts were always personalized. She adored vacationing, enjoying many decades of wintering in Florida near Disney World and fishing in Marathon Key. She also cherished time vacationing in Southern California where she visited family, enjoyed fishing, riding bikes, and soaking up the California sunshine.

Later Life

In her last 5 years, Dixie downsized to Lake Geneva, WI. This move brought her closer to her growing family, including her Grandkids and their Spouses, and her 4 Great Grandchildren and 3 Granddogs. She remained a significant presence in all their lives.

Survivors

Husband of 66 years: Morris Jaranson

Children: Vicky (Parke) Hess and Patrick (Robin) Jaranson

Grandchildren: Bjorn (Taylor) Jaranson and Tai (Adam) Jaranson

Great Grandchildren: Asher Jaranson (7), Anthony Jaranson (5), Violet Jaranson (2), and Atlas Jaranson (2)

To post an online condolence, please visit the Guest Book at the bottom of the page.

Words do not fully convey the wonderful effect that Dixie bestowed on all who knew her. Her love for her husband, for all of her Family, and Friends, and to God were an inspiration to all who were blessed to have shared their lives with her. Her love knew no bounds.

Derrick Funeral Home of Lake Geneva is honored to be assisting Dixie's family.