John "Jack" Minnaert

John (Jack) Minnaert, 79, of Atkinson, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer this past year.  The Rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 23, followed by a visitation from 4-7 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home – Atkinson Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson.  Father S. Stephen Engelbrecht will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Brother James Court Residential Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled in Springfield, IL, (where his younger brother Kenny is a resident) or St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson, IL, or the Geneseo Athletic Department.  The family would like to thank everyone at Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care given to Jack.

Jack was born in Geneseo, IL, on December 19, 1941, to Walter “Bud” and Vera (Rist) Minnaert. He was proudly a life-long resident of Atkinson, IL. Jack graduated from Atkinson High School in 1959 and attended Western Illinois University.  After graduating high school at the age of 17, he was too young to obtain employment at the farm equipment manufacturers in the Quad Cities, so he decided to serve his country by joining the National Guard as a tank driver at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.  Jack married the love of his life, Carol (Wallaert) Minnaert on March 3, 1962, and was blessed with five children, whom were his proudest accomplishment. He has nine grandchildren, whom he treasured and loved.

Jack retired after 42 years from Case IH as a metallurgist. He spent 20 years as an IHSA official for football and basketball games and enjoyed coaching boys’ baseball and girls’ basketball for his children’s sports teams.  He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. He served as a lector, cross bearer, and altar server. He was a member of the Quad City Metals Association, the Atkinson Booster Club and the Geneseo Athletic Booster Club. In his retirement, Jack enjoyed working in his yard and garden. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed following his grandchildren’s sports/activities and especially rooting for his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers!  He loved telling stories and giving advice to his grandchildren.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol; children, Angie (Jack) Ashcraft, Trev (Frank Cella) Minnaert, Troy (Sheri Farmer) Minnaert, Cameron (Kathy Kneen) Minnaert and Nichole (Brian) Kutmas; grandchildren, Eric & Marc Ashcraft, Tyler & Riley Minnaert, Rachel & Madilyn Minnaert, and Payton, Allison & Matthew Kutmas; and siblings, Mike (Linda Ford) Minnaert and Kenny Minnaert.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Vera Minnaert.