Mary Ellen 'Mimi' Reitemeier

Danville Mary Ellen 'Mimi', (nee Binz), Reitemeier of Danville, Il.

Age 87, passed away August 27, 2021. Born February 11, 1934, in Lafayette, IN, to the late Robert D. Binz and Clara (nee Murphy) Binz. Mimi was a 1951 graduate of Saint Francis High School in Lafayette, IN and on August 26, 1952, married the love of her life, Lew Reitemeier.

She was the loving mother of Rob (Teri) and Fritz; beloved Grandmother of Dan (Angela) Reitemeier, Rachel Reitemeier and Michael Reitemeier; proud great grandmother of Iris and Charlie Reitemeier; sister of Judy Hohlt; Aunt to two nieces and one nephew.

Preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, her brother Robert Jr, and infant siblings Jerry and Jean Binz.

Lew's work took them to Baton Rouge, LA in 1957, then to New Providence, NJ in 1961 where Mimi began her lifelong commitment to volunteering as a member of the TWIG group (created hand puppets for the children in pediatrics) for Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ.

In 1964, they moved to Danville until relocating to Columbia, SC in 1976 and then back to Danville in 1986 until her death (with a 3 year stint in Prague in 1994).

During her time in Danville, Mimi was very active in numerous organizations starting with the Lake View Hospital Junior Board serving the team as Treasurer, working the carts, and many fundraisers. She became involved with the Symphony Guild where she was a charter member and served as the first Treasurer and a member of the board for the Symphony Orchestra Foundation. Mimi was a charter member of the Danville Area Arts Council, served on the Salvation Women's board, and was a member of the Lake View Foundation Women's Auxiliary. She was a charter member of the Arts in the Park, co-chaired the event for two years, and then transitioned to serve on numerous committees. Mimi was also active in the Danville garden club, PEO, and the Clover Club.

In South Carolina, she was charter member of 'Champions' for Children's Hospital where she was involved in the first telethon and chaired numerous fund raising events. Mimi was also a member of the Junior Service Club working the well baby clinics.

While living in Prague she was quite active in the International Women's Club.

In 2007, Mimi was recognized as a Woman of Distinction by The Girl Scouts -Green Meadows Council and the Illinois House of Representatives for outstanding contributions to her community, serving as a role model to others by living the Girl Scout Law, and making a difference.

Mimi enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, reading, needlepointing, playing bridge, watching old movies, and collecting nutcrackers as well as Hummel and Dresden figurines.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1303 North Walnut Street, Danville, IL, 61832. Father Bowan Schmitt will officiate. The Mass may be viewed via live stream at www.stpauldanville.org. Graveside Committal Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST at Saint Boniface Cemetery, 2581 Schuyler Avenue, Lafayette, IN. A Prayer Service will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. and visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St., Danville, Illinois 61834.

It is kindly requested that those in attendance of the visitation and services wear a mask and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mimi Reitemeier Scholarship for the Performing Arts at Danville Area Community College, 2000 East Main Street, Danville, IL 61832.

Please join Marys family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .