George Mcminn

George Brunk McMinn, 74, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in Decatur Illinois Saturday, January 4, 2014. 1. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes will be handling arrangements. There will be no funeral or immediate Memorial Service. However, there will be a social event to remember and celebrate George, to be announced at a later date. George was born on September 3, 1939, in Springfield Illinois, the son of Dorothy and Aaron McMinn. As an infant his parents moved to Decatur, where he spent the remainder of his life. Growing up in Decatur he attended Dennis Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Jr High, and was a graduating member of the memorable class of '57 at (then) Decatur High School. George sampled college life at the University of Illinois, Lincoln College, and Millikin University, where he met his life partner Meredith. Shortly following her graduation, they married in 1960. He made his career in Law Enforcement, working for the City of Decatur Police Department for almost 30 years. He retired from actively fighting crime in 1990 after many years as a "plain clothes" detective, although many of the local haberdashers saw to it he was not "plain" at all. His love of distinctive sports coats, shirts, and ties was legendary. Following his retirement he kept his finger on the pulse as a Private Investigator in Central Illinois. George's love of life was as large as his appetite. Through the years he found much joy in bass fishing as a member of the Kaskaskia Valley Bass Club, there known for his love of "shotgun starts" as he raced his bass boat to the waiting fish. He also enjoyed cooking for his family, and amassed a large collection of cookbooks. He was always recognizable and welcomed at many local establishments; The Winery, Circa 1880, the Lincoln Lounge, Lock, Stock and Barrel, The Blue Mill, Jimmy Ryan's, the Moose Lodge, and many others. He was a great story teller; his telling always full of conviction and dramatic flair. Ever in search of something different, he collected among other things antiques, Lionel "O" gauge trains, police memorabilia, and escapes and illusions from the world of magic. Later in his retirement he became a local, regional and nationally ranked chef of Chili and Salsas, travelling to competitions all over the United States to present his secret recipes, which will forever remain secret as he never divulged them, even to his children. He is survived by his wife Meredith, of Decatur; son Dan McMinn and daughter-in-law Tami Seegrist McMinn of Gold Bar, WA; son Doug and daughter-in-law Louise Butcher McMinn of Breese, IL; as well as his Grandchildren: Kristin Heckel of Everett, WA; Aaron McMinn of Libertyville, IL; Sarah Case, of Sultan WA; and Jonathan, Luke, Dylan and Jake McMinn of Breese, IL. As well as family he is survived by many lifelong friends throughout Central Illinois. He was predeceased by his younger brother John, beloved Aunt Betty Lynd of Springfield, IL, as well as his parents Dorothy and Aaron. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Police Benevolent and Protective Association of Decatur, Unit 39, or Camp Ondessonk, Ozark, IL. "
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