Brenda L. (Vandemore) VanMeenen

Brenda L. VanMeenen, 61, of rural Atkinson, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 26, 2018, at her home, with her husband, Alvin, by her side. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo. Father Michael Pakula will celebrate. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Atkinson. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to St. Malachy Catholic Church, or to the Atkinson Rescue Squad.

Brenda was born on April 30, 1957, the daughter of Mark and Sue Ann (DeBlieck) Vandemore, in Geneseo, Illinois. She is a 1975 graduate of Geneseo High School, and attended Patricia Steven Finishing School in Milwaukee, WI. Brenda was united in marriage to Alvin B. VanMeenen Jr. on August 5, 1978, at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo. She assisted her husband with farming in rural Atkinson. Brenda was also co-owner & operator of Geneseo Memorial & Bronze, in Geneseo, where she took pride in helping people with their loved one’s memorials. She was a life-time member of St. Malachy Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Altar & Rosary Society. Brenda was also a member of D.A.R (Daughters of American Revolution). She enjoyed spending time outside taking care of her yard and flower beds. Most of all, Brenda loved spending time with her family. She had an uplifting spirit and was always able to put smiles on the faces of everyone she met.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Alvin VanMeenen, of Atkinson, son, Nicholas (Elisha) VanMeenen, of Morton, IL, daughters; Danielle VanMeenen, of Washington, IL, and Amanda (Brian) Murtha, of Bettendorf, IA, five granddaughters; Amelia, Abigail, Alyssa, Brooke, and Kinsley, and her parents, Mark & Sue Ann Vandemore, of Geneseo. Brenda is also survived by her brothers, Steve (Rori) Vandemore, of Bettendorf, IA, and Marti (Adela) Vandemore, of Dubuque, IA, and her mother-in-law, Carol VanMeenen, of Atkinson, IL.

Brenda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmer & Lila DeBlieck, and Ollie & Margaret Vandemore, and by her father-in-law, Alvin VanMeenen Sr.