Richard F. "Rich" Kuster

LONDON MILLS – Richard F. “Rich” Kuster, 76, of London Mills, formerly of rural Galva, passed away at 6:04 p.m., Sunday, May 28, 2017 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

He was born December 6, 1940 in Kewanee, the son of Francis and Virginia (Seefeld) Kuster. He married Lynda M. Talberg on June 10, 1962 at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Galva. She survives, as do two sons, Pastor Douglas (Trisha) Kuster of Macomb, IL and Bradley (Sandy) Kuster of Galesburg, a daughter, Karey (Jeff) Johnson of Galesburg, eight grandchildren, Jennifer Heap of Quincy, IL, Mariah and Trinity Kuster of Macomb, IL, Devon Kuster of Canton, IL, Kaden Johnson of Galesburg, Matthew and Jordan Johnson of Chicago and Shandy Johnson of Galesburg, five great grandchildren, Jubilee and Joey Parmer and June Goodwin, all of Quincy, IL and Dylan Johnson and Brooklyn Johnson, both of Galesburg, a brother, Thomas (Cheryl) Kuster of Madison, WI, a nephew, Robert (Wendy) Kuster of Madison, WI, a niece, Lori (Troy) Betts of Sun Prairie, WI and a great niece and nephew, Kaylee and Jordan Betts of Sun Prairie, WI. He also provided a home for two foster children along the way. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Richard attended Galva schools, graduating from Galva High School in 1958 and served with the Illinois National Guard Unit beginning in 1958. He was a member of the UMWA Local Union 7110, Fulton County Farm Bureau and a 50+ year member of Little John Sportsman Club in Victoria which provided fond memories for his family with camping, fishing and great picnics. Rich farmed many years with his father in the Galva and Kewanee area before starting to work in the Central Shop of Midland Coal Co. in Middle Grove, IL from 1975-1989 and continued on with new management as Mid State Coal Co., from 1989-1996. He served a number of years as Union President and was the last union worker to leave at the mine’s closing. Rich then went on to work as a mechanic for Laurel Greens Golf Club in Knoxville until his retirement in 2002.

Rich had many interests throughout his life; he enjoyed developing his pulling tractor, “The General” with his friend Bob and won many trophies, traveling to Wisconsin, Missouri and Kentucky as well as local county fairs. He spent many years with his dad setting up at gun shows and flea markets. He maintained his gun dealer license for several years. After moving to London Mills in 1977, Rich and Lynda set up a stand in their yard during spoon River Days for 20 years, selling all kinds of sporting goods and adding his parents and their antiques a few years. Rich also purchased a building at the Rutledge Flea Market in Rutledge, MO, traveling there once a month to sell sporting goods. Throughout the decade of the 1980’s Rich developed a thriving honey business, starting with two hives and increasing to 500. It was a sight to behold when new queen bees arrived in individual boxes each spring at the post office! Selling honey during Spoon River Days was very popular, but most was sold by the barrels to the government. It was a good business until sadly, Rich developed an allergy to the bees.

He learned to love fishing in Minnesota as a small boy and continued fishing vacations every June with extended family members, which included flea markets, antiquing and wild evening Pitch tournaments. He also enjoyed April Crappie fishing on Kentucky Lake and Cat fishing on the Mississippi, which led to big fish fries for family and friends. Rich continued dove, pheasant and quail hunting as long as his health allowed and raised many fine German Shorthaired dogs for hunting. He spent a lifetime collecting game calls, old fashioned fishing lures, decoys and became friends with some of the carvers. He was always a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and John Wayne movies. We will long cherish the memory of this kind, generous, loving son, husband, father, brother and friend.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 2 at Rux Funeral Home in Galva. Rev. Linda Winkelman will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Galva Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Galva Fusiliers. Memorials may be directed to the London Mills Ambulance Service.

 Service Information