BLOOMINGTON - Paul A. Meints, of Bloomington, IL, passed away on December 6, 2021. Paul was born in Quincy, IL to Arlene and Alvin Meints on May 11, 1947. He grew up in Golden, IL, and graduated from Central High School. Paul went on to study finance at Western Illinois University and earned his Law Degree from Valparaiso University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. Paul was proud of his military service and honored to be a veteran.

Paul moved to Bloomington to work as an attorney with the Financial Planning Division of Country Companies from 1974 to 2003. He established a private law and tax practice in 1974 and maintained his private practice until his death.

Paul was a member of McLean County, Logan County, Illinois, Indiana, and American Bar Associations since 1974. He was licensed to practice before the Indiana, Illinois, and United States Supreme Court, Federal District Court, and the United States Tax Court since 1974. He was elected by peers in 1996 to be in the first group of twenty-five lawyers to be designated as "Leading Illinois Attorney" in (1) Trusts and Estate Planning, (2) Agricultural Law, (3) Agricultural and Natural Resources (Real Estate), and (4) Individual Income Tax. He was a founding member of the Agricultural Law Section Council that was started in 1981, a presenter at the Section's First Live Seminar, served as its Chairperson from 2000-2001, was the first and only Chairman to exceed the Sections' travel budget and has been on its governing board since inception.

He was a prolific author and frequent lecturer for many professional organizations and has spoken and written for the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Estate Planning Councils, Life Underwriters and numerous other groups and publications.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene and Alvin Meints. He is survived by his wife, Julie Meints; two daughters; two stepchildren; and four grandchildren.

Paul enjoyed supporting local businesses, and in particular, local farmers, and farmers markets. Though he moved away from Golden, he was always a "farm boy" at heart. He loved tending to his vegetable and flower gardens. Paul was a very giving person and enjoyed helping others with his time and talents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 22, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Golden Good Shepherd Home in Golden, IL or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with Paul's family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Pantagraph on Dec. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Meints

Sponsored by Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home.

11 Entries

Peter Welslau

May 24, 2022

I just learned of Paul´s passing and want to express my condolences. I stayed at Paul´s for four weeks in 1995, when I took part in a student exchange program. I was 26, Paul about as old as I am now. I remember when he took me to the Dave Davis Mansion, the Threshermen`s Reunion in Peoria, and the restaurant Bayern Stube in Gibson City for my 27th birthday. I knew Paul ad generous, supportive, trustful, amicable and hard working. It makes me sad he is gone.
Peter from Paderborn, Germany

James Coddington

March 31, 2022

I am just hearing about this now, I am heart broken. I have been living in Florida for a few months, so I have lost touch with my BMI connection. Paul did an incredible amount of work for my family. Not only was he my families attorney and CPA, he was my friend. I remember long talks with Paul in his back porch or his office. Paul helped me during personal struggles, and he was always spot on when it came to my business. I love you Paul, you will be missed, God Bless.

Henry Sawyer

February 7, 2022

Paul was very helpful with me and my brother, William. He was a wonderful man!

Rachel Bloch-Osthus

January 8, 2022

We are so sorry to hear of Paul´s passing. He was an amazing person, and we were so glad to have had the chance to work with him. He was patient, kind and generous with his advice and time. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family.

Xihong Jiang

Planted Trees

Xihong Jiang

December 27, 2021

I can never forget Paul:
His family was my first and only host family back to 1990, when I just came in as an international student at ISU, though I didn´t really stay in his house.
Besides his busy job and young kids, he took a lot of care of me: often invited me home for dinner, helped me with my bicycle problems, and even corrected my paper...
He always talked in a gentle tone with a smile as if he had never learned how to raise his voice! That´s why his kids were very nice and sweet too! I also remember Jeana´s famous hug very well, and even miss it!
I didn´t know until today: actually Paul was born in the same year as mine. A very strange feeling: when I was a student then, I considered Paul in a position of a "parent!"
Paul´s Indelible image is forever in my heart!

Steve and Jetsy Sachtleben

December 26, 2021

Paul has been a friend for over 40 years. From tennis, to skiing, softball, taxes and as an attorney he did it all in his gentle manner. A more knowledgable man does not exist. WE will miss you Paul but am sure we will meet again!

Stacey Smith

December 21, 2021

I´ve never met a man with more character, kindness, and as giving as this very knowledgeable and humble Man! We all loved him and I personally feel a tremendous loss! I am more than comfortable as to where my friend has gone. He´s gone home to our lord Jesus and certain we will see Paul again. I´m more than grateful for having such a gentleman and associate In my life and now pray for his lovely Wife Julie! This dynamic pair enhanced my life more than I could ever repay! I will always remember my dear friend! God speed my Brother. I love ya!

Michael Barford

December 14, 2021

Always a gentle man, obviously a kind person by nature. This should be a part of his legacy as much as his legal expertise.

Chuck & Carolyn Bartlett

December 14, 2021

Julie & the Paul Meints Family,
We send our sympathies, prayers & love from former Bloomington neighbors & friends. The peace of our Lord Jesus bless & keep you each in the now & in the coming days as you celebrate our friend and neighbor Paul.
The Bartlett´s of Neoga,
Chuck & Carolyn

Carolyn & Bruce Sutter

December 14, 2021

Paul was a caring, super intelligent, and all around great guy. We were lucky to have known him as a friend to our tax lawyer. He will be missed.

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