Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1929
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Pauline Minnaert Obituary
December 30, 1929 - June 7, 2025
Pauline ("Polly") Alice Williams Minnaert, age 95, took the express elevator to Heaven on June 7, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, Ill. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel, with the visitation following from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family of Pauline or St. Malachy Catholic Church, 595 E. Ogden Avenue, Geneseo, IL, 61254.
Pauline was born on December 30, 1929, in Geneseo, Ill., the daughter of Frank Paul Williams and May Caroline Burgeson. She attended schools in Geneseo, Ill., and was a lifelong resident. She married Donald Michael Minnaert on May 24, 1948, and together they celebrated 73 years of marriage before Donald passed away in 2021. After raising her lively crew of nine children, Pauline brought her warmth and wit to the Geneseo school district and kept local democracy running smoothly as an election judge for many years. She was a devoted bookworm and music lover, always ready with a new novel or a favorite tune.
She is survived by her sister, Dawn Wigant of Geneseo, Ill.; her children, David (Pat) Minnaert of Geneseo, Ill., Marcia (Robert) Brooks of San Francisco, Calif., Debbie (Alfred) Adams of Colona, Ill., Pete (Amy) Minnaert of Geneseo, Ill., Trudy Minnaert of Bowling Green, Ohio, Dominic Minnaert of Geneseo, Ill., and Willy (Megan) Minnaert of Geneseo, Ill.; and sister-in-law, Joyce Wisdom of Erie, Ill.. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild with another on the way.
In addition to her husband, Donald, she was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Virginia; son, Donte; and grandsons, Michael Minnaert and Jace Siebe.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the amazing, dedicated workers at the Long-Term Care Unit at Hammond Henry Hospital and the Compassus Care team.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Pauline Minnaert
Sponsored by Vandemore Funeral Home - Geneseo.
1 Entry
Debbie Slocum
June 16, 2025
I want to espress my sincere condolences to the Minnaert family. My parents were friends of Polly and Don's for many years. I have fond memories of getting eggs and giving dropped fruit to the chickens, ducks, and everything else along with the deer and peacocks. My Dad, Tom and Don would sit and watch the animals and talk gardening. What a wondful couple they made. It was a pleasure knowing them and I will always remember them for the love and kindness they lived! Sincerely, Debbie (daughter of Tom and Marilyn Slocum)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Pauline Minnaert's name
Memorial Events
for Pauline Minnaert
Jun
18
How to support Pauline's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Pauline Minnaert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
