Donna Marie Meinhold's Obituary
Donna Marie Meinhold, 95, of Decatur, IL passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 26, 2024 with her daughter Lisa by her side following a short illness. She was born April 5, 1929 in Sterling, IL. Her parents were John and Esther Fredricks. She was married to Neil Meinhold on August 16, 1952 in Sterling, IL. They were married for 48 years before Neil passed away on April 5, 2000. They moved to Decatur from northern Illinois in 1962. They moved around Decatur several times ending up on Ravina Park Road. They were lifelong members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church and cultivated many friendships there. Donna was active in the church for her entire life.
Donna graduated from Illinois State with an education degree and then completed her master’s in education degree from the University of Illinois. She taught and administered Title I reading evaluations at Decatur Public Schools during her career.
Donna made many lifelong friends in Decatur through both her teaching and her social work. Before and after their retirement she and Neil loved to travel. The family spent summers camping and on road trips throughout the US and Canada. Later in life, Donna and Neil travelled to Europe and had many exciting cruises around the world. They often traveled on group trips that left lasting memories. She was active in many organizations in Decatur including Decatur Arts Council, Gallery 510, and the Decatur Celebration. She volunteered for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and the Decatur Farm Progress Show. She loved taking part in the Cookies and Carols and other functions at the Millikin Homestead. Donna enjoyed her years of involvement with the Local PEO chapter and local charities including LSA, Northeast Community Fund, the Good Samaritan, and OPUS. She enjoyed going to the Little Theater on the Square in Sullivan, IL and the Fox Theater in St. Louis, MO with friends, and loved attending plays, concerts and Vespers at Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center.
Donna's hobbies included baking and cross stitching. She created many gifts of pillows and blankets for her friends and family. She was an avid reader and would contribute opinions at her book club meetings and loved her trips to the library. She liked to go to the YMCA for swimming and exercise. Donna spent many miles on the local trails walking daily. She was not one to sit around for any period of time! She seemed to always have lunch dates or events planned and it was often hard to get in touch with her as she was always on the go. She also liked cards and board games and would post the winning scores on the fridge (if she had top scores!). Donna was always in a good mood. Her personality was contagious. Donna would keep her children current on all the happenings in the Decatur area through phone calls and emails. She really enjoyed sharing pictures of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donna just recently sold her home and moved to a condo in Arbor Meadows. It took a long time to convince her to downsize but the move was great for her. She made many new friends and was truly happy there. She had several injuries in the past three years that limited her activities but she was still up for shorter walks around her neighborhood. Even when not feeling 100% she was always up for activities. She touched many lives in her 95 years and will be remembered and missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband Neil and her youngest grandchild John Hutson. She is survived by her three children: Steven, Brad (Sue Stacey) and Lisa Zini (Tim), four grandchildren: Justin Meinhold (Mollie), Maya Shelton (Kris), Ryan and Jeff Hutson, and step grandchild Alex Zini, and four greatgrandchildren, Liam and Abby Meinhold and Sawyer and Dawson Shelton.
Donna did not want to have any graveside services or a funeral. The family will choose a future date to gather and commemorate her life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, The Friends of the Decatur Public Library, Gallery 510 or Decatur YMCA.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.moranandgoebel.com
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