Patricia Lorene Vander Pluym, nee Neff, 70, of Smithton, IL, born April 20, 1954, in Belleville, IL, died Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Oak Hill Nursing Home, Waterloo, IL.
Patty was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured the special moments she shared with her family. She poured her heart into every aspect of her children’s lives, from cheering them on at sports games to volunteering at St. Mary’s athletic programs, parish festivals, and school events. As a room parent, club supporter, and marching band enthusiast, Patty’s dedication to her family’s passions was unwavering.
Patty was part of the Kaffer’s restaurant family before stepping away to help her husband, Denny, run their business, The Crank Shop, in Millstadt. She later worked for Carol Hyatt Design and eventually retired from the St. Clair County Housing Authority, leaving a legacy of care and service to her community.
Patty’s happiest memories were made while camping with her husband, children, and close friends, creating adventures her loved ones will carry with them forever. She especially cherished the time spent with her beloved granddaughter, Mia, sharing laughter and love while baking cookies, playing board games, or crafting heartfelt Halloween costumes.
Above all, Patty’s legacy is one of love, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.
Patty was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dennis M. Vander Pluym; her parents, Edwin and Amelia, nee Dintelmann, Neff; her mother-in-law, Gertrude, nee Weingart, Vander Pluym; and two brothers-in-law, David Vander Pluym and Jerry Brown.
Surviving are her two children, Luke Vander Pluym of Chicago, IL, and Jennifer (Eric) Joseph of Smithton, IL; her granddaughter, Mia Joseph; two brothers, Elmer (Jeannette) Neff and Ron (Janelle) Neff; her sister, Darlene Brown; her father-in-law, David Vander Pluym; four sisters-in-law, Donna (Bill) Foutch, Shari (Bob) Sobczak, Barb Whan (Ron Sobczak), and Shelly (David) Langford; and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Friends of Rickover Naval Academy, Chicago, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
According to Patricia wishes, cremation was held.
