Minor J. Garrelts, age 95, died peacefully in his sleep on May 29, 2024, at Hickory Grove in Carthage, Illinois. He was born on December 14, 1928, in Basco, Illinois the son of Claus and Agnes (Flesner) Garrelts. He married Mary Ann Schmitz in Nauvoo, Illinois on January 19, 1952. She preceded him in death on January 1, 2022.
Growing up on the family farm outside of Carthage, Illinois, Minor was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He enlisted in the Army National Guard and served his country from 1952 to 1954. After their wedding, Minor and Mary Ann moved to California and then Washington while he was in the service. Following his discharge, they moved back to Illinois and began farming. They settled on the farm outside of Hamilton, Illinois where they raised their three girls. Michael Haas continues the family farming legacy. Minor loved farming and caring for the land, always working to improve the farm. His seed business was also a source of pleasure as he helped his friends and neighbors make decisions about the best seed options. Additionally, he was a pillar in our farming community as he served in many different capacities. A longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, he devoted time to many committees and was a leader with the church council. As a member of the Hamilton School board for several terms, he brought a strong business perspective. For many years, he helped to organize and then with Mary Ann, hosted the Share the Harvest fall celebration at the farm. Service to the community was also undertaken as he assisted several local funeral homes as he comforted and served his neighbors. Minor and Mary Ann had a wide circle of friends with whom they enjoyed playing cards and square dancing. Quick with a comeback or a comment, Minor always had a smile and a kind word for all and took great joy in his grandchildren attending many athletic events and concerts!
Minor is survived by his three daughters: Linda (Grant) Garrelts MacLean, LuAnn (Tom) Haas, and Lora (Steve) Buckert. He was grateful for his eight grandchildren: Kaili MacLean (Lonnie Bosak), MacKenzie (Nick) Pettyjohn, Cassie MacLean, David (Sarah) Haas, Michael (Mattie) Haas, Chris (Jilene) Haas, Greg (Ann) Buckert, and Brian (Abby) Buckert. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. At last count there are nine great-grandchildren who brought him many smiles during their visits to the farm and Hickory Grove!
He was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Ann, his parents, and one brother: Wendell L. Garrelts.
A memorial service for Minor will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., 709 Main Street, Carthage, Illinois.
A luncheon will be held after the service.
Following the luncheon, burial will be at Thornber Cemetery, rural Powellton, Illinois.
Memorials may be directed to Memorial Hospital Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church Kitchen Committee, or the donor’s choice.
Minor’s nephew Brian J. Schmitz with Schmitz - Banks & Beals Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. On-line condolences to the family may be left at www.sbbfuneralhome.com.
