Pauline Tenhaeff

Pauline Elaine (Orr) Tenhaeff, 93, of Golden, Illinois, passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord, surrounded by her six children on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Bickford Cottage in Quincy.

Born on January 18, 1933, in Quincy, Illinois, Pauline was the daughter of Everett and Verola (Hawley) Orr. She married Wayne Tenhaeff on May 12, 1961. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2006.

Pauline was a 1950 graduate of Warsaw High School. After high school, she taught twelve students of multiple grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Meyer before earning her teaching degree. She put herself through college with scholarships and by working, graduating from Western Illinois Teachers College in 1955. Pauline was also a distinguished member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). After college, she taught middle school mathematics in Morton before returning to Quincy to teach at Berrian School, where she remained until her marriage.

Following her marriage, Pauline devoted herself to being a farm wife and raising her family. She ran her home with purpose and unwavering devotion, maintaining a large garden, preserving the family’s harvest through canning, preparing meals from scratch, and lovingly making Halloween costumes and Christmas outfits. Despite her many responsibilities, she never missed an opportunity to attend her children’s sporting events, whether at home or away. As her younger children entered middle school, Pauline began a second career as a rural mail carrier, first as a substitute and later as a full-time carrier. She faithfully served her community for more than twenty years before retiring. Her daily sacrifices became the cornerstone of a strong, loving, and faith-filled family.

Pauline was a teacher by both profession and nature. Long after leaving the classroom, she continued teaching her children and grandchildren, always emphasizing the value of education, hard work, and lifelong learning. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book. She also enjoyed crocheting, painting, music, and crossword puzzles. Family game time was always important in the home, and Pauline delighted in teaching every game she knew to her children and grandchildren. She also shared her exceptional cooking and baking talents, passing along treasured recipes and kitchen wisdom to family and friends.

Pauline enjoyed bowling in leagues and participating in ladies’ card clubs for many years, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. She also maintained close friendships with four of her dearest childhood friends throughout her life. A faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Pauline was an active part of the Golden community and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Her homemade pies were a welcome favorite at church events and community gatherings. Above all else, Pauline was a devoted mother and grandmother whose deep love for children was evident to everyone who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Sarah Stephens (Mark), Matthew Tenhaeff (Tamrah), Janet Mitchell (Mark), Christopher Tenhaeff, Jennifer Tenhaeff, and John Tenhaeff (Michelle); her beloved grandchildren, Sophie Stephens, Mia Mitchell, Max Mitchell, Calista Tenhaeff, Emmett Tenhaeff, Zeke Tenhaeff, Grant Tenhaeff, and Annika Tenhaeff; her honorary grandchildren, Patrick Flesner and Erin (Flesner) Luebbehusen; her sister, Nadine Seward; her brothers, Gerald Orr (Pat) and Wayne Orr; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Glenn Orr; her sisters-in-law, Pauline Orr and Beverly Orr; and her brother-in-law, Carroll Seward.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden with Fr. Patrick Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Golden Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the Community for Christ Assistance Center and may be mailed to Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home, PO Box 255, Camp Point, IL. 62320.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.

Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point is assisting the family with arrangements.