Jacob Nelson Minar, age 30, of Garner, North Carolina, was called to his eternal rest on August 23, 2024. Born in Breese, Illinois, on May 20, 1994, to proud parents Jessica (Kircher) Nugent and Bradley Minar, Jacob’s life was a testament to courage and resilience as he triumphantly battled Friedreich’s Ataxia.
Jacob attended Crab Orchard High School, was cherished for his heartwarming demeanor and his capacity to spread joy effortlessly while giving the other students rides on his wheelchair and scooter. His smile was a beacon of light, and his humor a source of endless comfort. An avid gamer, Jacob found delight in the digital world and in the conversations and debates he shared with friends and family, particularly on the topic of politics, especially when discussing Donald Trump.
A nature lover, he reveled in the simple pleasures of fishing and marksmanship, exploring the beauty of the great outdoors any chance he could. His love for his animal companions, family dogs Sissy and Hildie, and Tango the cat, was profound and provided him with great happiness.
Jacob leaves behind a loving family: his mother and stepfather, Jessica Kircher and Todd Nugent; his father, Bradley Minar; siblings Clayton Chamness, Emily Nugent, John Howard, Adryan Clark, Jordanne Minar, Morgan Minar, and Lilly Minar, along with Sam Brockmeier and Riley Brockmeier; maternal grandparents, Susan Kircher and Robert Cooper, and Gary and Annie Kircher. He cherished his relationships with his uncle and aunt, Kevin and Sandy Sheridan, along with countless nephews, aunts, uncles, stepmothers, and cousins, who will all hold his memory in their hearts. The family extends gratitude to all relatives and friends for their unwavering love and support for Jacob throughout his life and wishes they could all be individually listed here.
Preceding him in death were his maternal great-grandparents, Oscar and Hildegard Klitzing, Orville and Grace Kircher; paternal grandparents, Nelson and Marilyn Steinhauer; maternal great aunt, Kae Robbins; maternal aunt, Crystal Kircher Bell; and paternal aunt, Carol Clark.
The family kindly suggests donations be made to the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), a foundation who is actively and feverishly looking for cures or treatments for the disease that took Jacob away too soon, and as a tribute to his legacy of strength.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd, Fairview Heights, IL to commemorate Jacob’s enduring spirit and the indelible mark he left on the lives of those he touched.
