Marian L. (Griffin) Meinert

Marian L. (Griffin) Meinert, 85, a long-time resident of rural East Peoria, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Snyder Village retirement community in Metamora, IL.

Marian was born on August 28, 1937, in Peoria, IL. She was the daughter of Clifton and Bethel (Rosa) Griffin. She married Mel Meinert on August 11, 1956. He preceded her in death.

Marian is survived by three children, Dori (Larry) McCormick of Alexandria, VA, Danette Snopek of Metamora, IL, and Mark (Debi) Meinert of Cape Coral, FL; ten grandchildren, Jasmine (Whitney) McCormick of Atlanta, GA, Trevin McCormick of Alexandria, VA, Destiny McCormick of Alexandria, VA, Nathan (Sara) Allen of Metamora, IL, Brandon (Brenin) Snopek of Peoria, IL; Lauren (J.D.) Dalfonso and Trenton (Dee) Snopek both of Peoria, IL, Alison Meinert of Minneapolis, MN, Emily (C.J.) Meinert of Omaha, NE, and Josh Meinert of Lima, OH; ten great-grandchildren, Berkley, Parker and Kensington Allen, Arianna, Adreane and Gavyn Snopek, Bentley Melloy, Joseph, Vincent and Melle Dalfonso; one brother, Francis Eugene Griffin of San Antonio, TX; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Marian was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Norma Jean Horrighs, Madeline Malloy, Helen Griffin, and Wanda Ricca; and four brothers, George Griffin, Wesley Griffin, Robert Griffin, and Eugene Bella.

In 1959, Marian and Mel took over Walt's Tavern bar and restaurant, which had been owned by his parents. When they retired in 2003, it was one of the two oldest pubs in Peoria, having been in operation for 67 years. A photo of the South Side establishment is included in a history of Peoria, "Peoria … Impressions of 150 Years," published by the Peoria Journal Star in 1995.

Marian made a life of serving others. She was a long-time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Peoria until it closed in 2019. She served as a church council member, Sunday School superintendent and teacher. She coordinated many congregational meals. Marian also served as a Woodford County election judge for 40 years.

In recent years, she enjoyed senior outings as a member of Salem Lutheran Church, lunches with friends from Manual High School Class of 1955, and discussions with the "Spring Bay Bookies" book club members.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Salem Lutheran Church with Pastor Craig Swenson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her service. A luncheon will be held following the service with a graveside service at 2:00 pm in Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund at 1700 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria, IL 61614 or online at https://www.salemofpeoria.com/welcome/giving/. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund
1700 West War Memorial Drive, Peoria IL 61614
Web: https://www.salemofpeoria.com/welcome/giving/