Patricia Ann "Pat" Meinert

Patricia Ann “Pat” Meinert, 61, Rockford, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 12, 2015, in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 9, 1954, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Lawrence J. and Geraldine R. “Geri” (Veile) Meinert. She graduated from Rockford East High School, Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University. Pat taught at St. James Catholic School in Belvidere and later at St. Rita Catholic School in Rockford. Up until the time of her passing, she was the director of the Rockford Volleyball Association, the director of the Rockford Park District volleyball program, and was the varsity volleyball coach at Belvidere North High School. Also during her career she coached softball and volleyball at Rockford East High School and coached volleyball at Rockford University. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Just this week Pat was elected into the Rock Valley College Athletics Hall of Fame.
Pat is survived by her siblings, Daniel (Carol) Meinert of Dinuba, CA, David (Dr.Lora Mackie) Meinert of Herndon, VA, Joan (Sam) Casazza of Surprise, AZ, and Michael (Jodi) Meinert of Rockford; her nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Jerimiah) Walters, Gregory (Rebekah) Meinert, Amie (Matthew) Rangel, William Meinert, Nichole (Michael) Deal, Sarah (Jason) Borg, Michael (Samantha) Mosher, Benjamin (Hannah) Meinert, Jacob (Kylie) Meinert, and Rachel Meinert; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and all of her volleyball family members. She is predeceased by her parents.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 16, 2015, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd. There will be no visitation at the church but there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at the ISC (Indoor Sports Center), 8800 E. Riverside Blvd, Loves Park, from 3:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on Monday for Pat’s family and friends. There will be a private burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rockford Volleyball Association Scholarship Fund, 1026 Forest Garden Dr. Loves Park, IL 61111, or Northern Illinois Hospice, 4215 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.