David Allen Rademaker, 65, of Galesburg, Illinois died on October 4, 2023 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria Illinois.
David was born on May 28, 1958 in Peoria, Illinois to the late Dale and Maureen Rademaker. He was the second of four children, His older brother Doug (Regina), younger brother Daric (Shannon), and little sister Maura Shattuck (Reuben) all survive him.
His wife Ana Diaz Rademaker also survives him. David met the love of his life in June of 2015. Ana is from Merida, Mexico. Despite the vast distance, their love for one another rose above the many barriers put forth by the immigration process and the pandemic, and they were finally married June 6th of 2023. Their devotion to one another was on full display while David was in hospice and throughout his final moments as Ana never left his side and tended to his every need. David has a stepson, Antonio Diaz, and a stepdaughter, Gabriella Diaz, both residing in Merida, Mexico. He also has several adoring nieces and nephews.
David was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, with a degree in visual communications. This led to employment and art commissions with major advertising firms in Phoenix, Arizona. Some of his work was featured in super bowl advertisements. When computers began displacing commercial artists he returned to Illinois and worked as a union carpenter.
For his final career, David attended Carl Sandburg College, graduating from there as a registered nurse. He found employment with several area hospitals and was contracted as a travel nurse.
David enjoyed working on his older home and picking up supplies for it in his old classic pickup truck. He would often pick up a pizza then drop by his brothers to watch an Illinois basketball game.
A celebration of his life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2023 at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, 1849 N Seminary Street, Galesburg, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
