Nicholas F. White, 69, of Galesburg, died at 12:26 a.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021, in OSF St. Mary Medical Center.
He was born January 31, 1952, in Rock Island, the son of Wayne “Whitey” and Helen (Schneider) White. He married Karen Soon Pak on November 18, 1979, in Monterey, California. He later married Linda Jean (Gooding) Lawrence on May 25, 1985, in Knoxville.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 36 years, Linda; a step-daughter, Rochelle (Sebastian) Wertz of Abingdon; a brother, Jeffrey (Miho) White of Houston, Texas; four step-grandchildren, Austin (Carley), Faith, Zachary, and Elvin Wertz; one step-great-granddaughter, Averley Wertz; one niece, Jennifer (Matt) Jaco of Galesburg; one nephew, Winston White of Houston; and one great niece and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Michael and Marc.
Nick attended Galesburg schools and Carl Sandburg College. He earned his GED in Burlington, Iowa in 1975.
Nick was a Vietnam Era veteran, serving in the Middle East and Europe, as well as in California, from June 1970 to June 1980. He also served in the Illinois National Guard in 1982 and 1985. He earned the rank of Sergeant and received numerous awards. He was a long-time member of Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285.
In earlier years, Nick was an executive chef at Jumer’s and the Diamond Horseshoe and owned and operated Ma and Pa’s Country Café. In 1988, he received his insurance license and worked for AFLAC and other insurance companies. Nick was a certified nursing assistant, working at several area nursing homes, most recently Roseville Rehab.
Nick was a volunteer for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Knox County. He was a registered poet with the American Poetry Society. He earned awards for his poetry and has had two pieces published. Nick enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He had an adventurous spirit, enjoying riding roller coasters with his grandchildren.
Nick became a born-again Christian at World Harvest Church in Columbus, Ohio on 8-8-08. He was a member of First Church of God.
Visitation will be 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2021 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Due to guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and facemasks will be required with limited occupancy. Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
