Polo—Jeannine Marie Venhuizen, 68, of Polo, passed away on Friday October 7, 2022, at home, after battling a long illness. She was born April 19, 1954 the daughter of Curly and Jean (Lunz) Lawton. She married Steven Venhuizen in Polo, IL on August 3, 1974. Jeannine had been employed at PNC, Dixon Vet Clinic, and Centennial Grade School in Polo as secretary, which she stated was her “dream job”. Jeannine enjoyed sewing, reading, cooking, and traveling and had visited all 50 states. She was a Brownie Troop leader while her daughters passed through the Girl Scouts. Jeannine was also active at East Jordan Church, serving in several capacities including President of Women’s Fellowship and going along on Habitat for Humanity mission trips as crew cook for many years. One accomplishment that she was proud of was bowling the highest game at the Illinois State Tournament for GAA.
Survivors include her husband, Steve; daughters, Jennifer (Matt) Brewer of New Berlin, IL, Jodi (Alan) McFalls of Polo, IL, and Jeanna (Gus) Martin of Monticello, IL; and grandchildren, Nathan and Lainey Brewer, Ella, Ava, and Isaac McFalls, and Mitchell Martin. Her family meant everything to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Juanita Lawton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday October 11, 2022 from 4:00-6:00 PM at East Jordan United Methodist Church, 22027 Polo Rd., Sterling, IL 61081. Funeral services will be at the church Wednesday Oct. 12th at 10:30 AM, preceded by visitation beginning at 9:30 AM. Pastor Jim Miller will officiate. Burial will be in East Jordan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Centennial School, Special Olympics, or St. Jude’s Hospital.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
