Vernon Mindrup

Vernon Irvin Mindrup, age 91 of Alhambra, IL, took his last breath, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his family farm (the Schiedhering farm), where he was born and raised in Alhambra, IL.

He was born on Tuesday, October 30, 1934, the son of Irvin and Nora (nee Dauderman) Mindrup.

On Saturday, May 9, 1959, he married Marie G. Mindrup (nee Ahrens) who passed away, March 14, 2024.

He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ. He was also a member of Salem Churchman's Fellowship, ATA, Alhambra Community Club, and American Legion Post 1147.

He was baptized and confirmed at Salem E&R Church. He attended a one-room school for his first four years. Miss Nelle Bilyeu was his teacher. He then went to Alhambra Grade School. He was on the basketball team from 5th through 8th grade. He graduated high school in 1953. Vernon also played fast-pitch softball with his 4-H club, Silver Creek. Vernon achieved the highest award in 4-H, winning him a trip to Chicago on a plane. Vernon was also a member of Salem E&R youth fellowship, Madison County Rural Youth, Madison County Farm Bureau, and a member of the Grain & Feed Bowling Team.

Vernon was a Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) milk tester and a leader of the DeCamp Miners 4-H for 20 years, where he was awarded the 4-H Leaders Forum in Washington, D.C. While there, he met Congressman Paul Findley and Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz. He also had the pleasure of seeing the changing of the guards at Arlington Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Vernon joined the U.S. Army in 1956, where he served for two years in the reserves and 3 years in standby, serving some time at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in the Medical Department. He was discharged in August of 1958 with the rank of Specialist 4.

Vernon was employed by the State of Illinois as a Highway Maintainer, where he served 30 ½ years. He retired in 2000, when he received a plaque for being the longest-employed employee. His favorite joys were his "dad jokes" and meeting with friends, and playing Rummy, Pinochle, and Euchre.

Survivors include:

• Son - Ronald V. (Aminda) Mindrup, Alhambra, IL
• Grandchild - Ronnelle M. Griffith, Alhambra, IL
• Grandchild - Ashlie E. L. Mindrup, Alhambra, IL
• Great Grandchild - Xarie Griffith, Alhambra, IL

He was preceded in death by:

• Wife - Marie G. Mindrup, nee Ahrens
• Father - Irvin L. Mindrup
• Mother - Nora M. Mindrup, nee Dauderman
• Grandchild - Jacob B. Mindrup
• Grandparents - JP & Emma C. Dauderman and Henry R. Mindrup & Mary (nee Wittkoetter)
• Brother – Marvin R. Mindrup
• Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law - Edwin & Gertrude (nee Arnold) Ahrens

Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL and from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL., with Rev. Jeremy R. Wood, Pastor, Alhambra, IL, officiating.

Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salem UCC Organ Fund, Vincent Cemetery, Salem Cemetery or Salem Cradle Roll.

Obit Provided By:
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home