Meinhardt, Shirley

Shirley J. Meinhardt, 76, of Mascoutah, died Monday, May 24, 2010 at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home in Lebanon after a five year battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born August 30, 1933 in Marissa, daughter of Aulden and Georgia (Newa) Meinhardt. She is survived by a brother, Stanley "Shorty" (June) Meinhardt of New Baden; three nephews, Scott (Renee) Meinhardt & Denny (Diane) Brinkman all of New Baden, and Terry (Dedra) Brinkman of Trenton; great nieces and great nephews, Nathan Meinhardt, Courtney Meinhardt, David Brinkman, Steven (fiancée, Jennifer Birks) Brinkman, Tonya (Shannon) Brinkman-Marlar, Kris (Polly) Brinkman, and Kevin (fiancée, Jessica Schulte) Brinkman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Meinhardt in infancy and a nephew, Rick Brinkman. Before her retirement Shirley was an administrative assistant at Scott Air Force Base. She was a great gardener, a gift passed down from her parents, and she also enjoyed collecting antiques. Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Mascoutah City Cemetery in Mascoutah with Rev. Tom Rankin officiating. Memorials may be made to the Rick Brinkman Scholarship Fund at McKendree University, Lebanon, IL and will be received at the funeral home.