Richard “Van” Lee Vandemark, 85, of Galesburg, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.
Richard was born July 24, 1937 in Kewanee, the son of Lester and Marjorie Ruth (Teece) Vandemark. He married Carole Jean Bland on December 8, 1957 in Kewanee. Richard is predeceased by his wife of 64 years and two brothers: William Vandemark and Terry Vandemark. He is survived by his two sons, Jeffrey (Edwina) Vandemark and Brian Vandemark both of Knoxville, IL; one daughter, Lisa (Keith) Hick of Ormond Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Batchelder, Brett (Denise) Vandemark, Bradley (Amanda) Vandemark, and Alyssa (Jeremy) Botelho; eleven great grandchildren; and one great great grandson. Richard is also survived by one brother, Gerald Vandemark of Streator, IL.
Richard worked for many years at Burlington Northern, Maytag, and most recently, the Main Street Hy-Vee. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving at Fort Hood as a mailman. He was a member and usher of Bethel Baptist Church. Richard enjoyed being with family, attending yard sales, fishing, and collecting unique neckties for which he was well known. He enjoyed making people feel welcome and would bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Cremation will be accorded and a celebration of life will be held in March of 2023. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the family for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
