R. Lane Andrist

Richard Lane Andrist, known as Lane Andrist, 71, died Monday, October 15 at his home in Galesburg. Born February 20, 1936 to Clyde and Aleene Andrist in Thermopolis, Wyoming, he married LaVonne Wilhelm in 1955, and Norma Jo (Josie) Nilsson in 1970. Both preceded him in death. He is survived by four daughters: Karin Nilsson, Seattle, WA, Lauren Andrist, Fort Collins, CO, Lynelle Shubert, WauKeeney, KS, and Lynda Courtney, San Diego, CA; two sons: Mark Nilsson, Boise, ID, and Ryan Andrist, Fort Collins, CO, eight grandsons and his fiancée Norma Rossi of Peoria As a U.S. Army Chaplin, Lieutenant Colonel (now retired), Lane served in Vietnam, Japan, Germany and Redstone Arsenal, to name a few of his tours of duty. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during his service in Vietnam. He served as Pastor at Presbyterian Church of Galesburg, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Knoxville and Pastor at the Galesburg Prison last working in 1998. He earned a B.A. degree from the University of Kansas, was a graduate of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, earned masters degrees in counseling and theology, and a Ph.T. from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. He was a lifelong learner and traveler. He belonged to the Peoria Area World Affairs Council and Bradley University’s Institute for Learning in Retirement was a past member of Rotary in Galesburg and Planned Parenthood. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 3 at 10 a.m. at the Universalist Unitarian Church in Peoria In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Autism Services at Easter Seals of Peoria/Bloomington or to the donor’s charity of choice. Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg, is in charge of arrangements.