Jennifer Muraski takes over as Winnebago County coroner

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our mobile app

ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Board members on Thursday approved the appointment of Jennifer Muraski to serve as coroner.

Muraski replaces Bill Hintz, who resigned last month after pleading guilty to one count of theft of governmental property and one count of official misconduct.

Muraski, who has 27 years experience in the mortuary business, was hired by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department in March to serve as director of operations for the coroner’s office. In that role, she took over the daily operations and administrative duties of the office after Hintz went on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case.

More news: Crimson Ridge will return to its roots as a flower shop

She will continue to oversee the department’s operations while serving as coroner.

“After all that’s transpired, maintaining continuity of leadership is in the best interests of the Coroner’s Office,” Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli said in a news release. “I am confident in Jennifer’s abilities and expertise to continue guiding the department during this transitional period.”

Muraski will serve until Dec. 1, when whomever wins the Nov. 8 election takes over the office. She will run as a Republican against Democrat Tony Gasparini.

“I am honored to be appointed to fill the role of coroner, and I am mindful of the trust that is being placed in me on behalf of the people of Winnebago County,” Muraski said in a news release. “I have worked in both a leadership and management position in the Coroner’s Office these past five months and I will utilize my past experiences as well as build upon this new experience moving forward.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.