Marilyn Eleanor Reinhardt

Marilyn Eleanor Reinhardt, nee Miller, the matriarch of quite a brood: eight children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, died on May 24, 2022 in her home in Percy, IL. The wisdom and presence of this lifetime nurturer will be missed by all that knew her.

She worked as a caregiver through the years at Red Bud Hospital and Memorial Convalescent Center as a certified nursing assistant. She cared for many in her retirement, as well.

Marilyn was incredibly well-read and kept up on current events. She loved discussing the news and any books. Her favorite book was The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille. Some of her favorite authors included Charles Martin, James Herriot and Ernest Hemingway.

A lover of nature's tiny creatures, Reinhardt could always be found preparing peanut butter bread or birdseed pinecones for birds, raccoons and other critters. She undoubtedly rerouted the migratory patterns of birds to her country home in Percy, IL. Identifying the birds that visited her patio brought her great joy.

Her love for critters started long ago, when this Belleville society girl turned farmer's wife on November 10, 1951. The date she married Winfred Reinhardt of New Athens, IL. She and her ex-husband worked the multi-generational, Reinhardt Farm in New Athens, IL until the late 1970's. They raised livestock, crops and eight kids.

In her youth, Marilyn attended Notre Dame Academy in Belleville, IL. She cheered on the cheerleading squad and played concert piano. Her favorite piece to play was “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.

Marilyn worked as a secretary at Miller's Florist, her father's florist shop, in Belleville until she married. Her incredible organizational skills remained steadfast throughout her life. She labeled, categorized and boxed everything that came through her home. You'd never find a more organized pantry, closet or attic than Marilyn Reinhardt's!

Marilyn Eleanor Reinhardt, nee Miller, was born November 2, 1930 in Belleville, IL.

Surviving are her eight children, Stephen (Susan) Reinhardt, Gary (Vicki) Reinhardt, Catherine Reinhardt, Thomas Reinhardt, Jacqueline Reinhardt, Mary (Keith) Granda, Laura (Michael) Renner and Caroline (Brian) Doiron; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews from the marriage of John and Rita Moynihan; three nieces and nephews from the marriage of Clarence and Bernice, nee Reinhardt, Rausch; and many friends including Bill Shedd.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel, nee Meinkoth, Miller; and sister, Rita (John) Moynihan.

Visitation will be held at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL on Friday, May 27, 2022 11 AM – 3 PM with a funeral service to commence at 3 PM. Inurnment will take place at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville, IL at a later date.