Mr. Richard "Dick" D. Nystrom

Richard “Dick” Dean Nystrom, age 84, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 26, 2019. He lived at Little Swan Lake in Avon, Illinois. Richard was born in Galesburg, Illinois on November 19, 1934 to Carl and Esther Nystrom. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952 and from Bradley University in 1956. He was married to Nancy Bradshaw at Bethel Baptist Church in 1962.

As a teenager, Richard worked in his father’s construction business. After graduation, this business became Carl Nystrom & Son, and later, after his father’s death, Nystrom & Jordan. During this period, he designed and oversaw construction of commercial and residential properties throughout Illinois, with particular emphasis on restoring historic landmarks and revitalizing downtown businesses in Galesburg. He served several years in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1989, Richard joined State Farm Insurance Company in Bloomington, Illinois as a construction specialist.  In this role he supervised construction of buildings all over the U.S. to withstand the most powerful natural disasters.  These buildings have survived hurricanes and floods and allowed thousands to receive benefits and resources in the wake of disasters. He also served as Building Inspector for LeRoy, Illinois. He finished his career helping State Farm’s catastrophe management program improve responsiveness and survivability.

Dick was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Deacon, choir member, leader in Boys Brigade and Voyagers, and a member of the Building Committee.

Dick enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, woodworking, studying the Bible, and spending time on Little Swan Lake.  He especially loved the home he designed and built on the lake and the many years spent there entertaining and spending time with friends.

Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, and his sister, Jane. He is also survived by his son Ted (Jeannie) and their children Jacob, Benjamin and Helena, and by his son Jonathan (Tricia Haneghan) and their children Haley, Kathleen, Lindsey and Grace and his nephew Tom Nystrom (Jeanette). He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Arnold; sister Margaret; and nephew Roger.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church. Visitation will be at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel on Thursday May 30, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Additional visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday at the church.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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