Lorin John Meade

Lorin John Meade passed away on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the age of 90. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church with Monsignor Tom Mack officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory-Geneseo Chapel. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 PM prior to the visitation. He will be laid to rest at Rock Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to; Catholic Relief Services, https://support.crs.org/donate/give-where-needed-1?ms=agicrs2125abt00gen03, Cross Catholic Outreach, https://crosscatholic.org/donate/, or Geneseo Food Pantry https://www.geneseofoodpantry.org/donate/

He was born May 30,1934 to Clement and Hattie (Ockenfels) Meade, and grew up in Cedar Rapids, IA, graduating from Franklin High School. From there he attended the University of Iowa, participating in ROTC. After graduation, he served 2 years of active duty in the Army. Following an honorable discharge in 1958, he returned to the University of Iowa to earn his Masters in Music Education. On August 13, 1960, he married Rosemary McGuire, and they had eight children, Mary DeBord (Jim), John (Sheila), Maureen Johnson (Doug), Jim (Tammie), Kathy Daly (Mike), Kerry Leon (Trino), and Dennis (Heather).  He was blessed with 20 grandchildren that he adored – Jack, Brennan, Nathan, Ashley, Jennifer, Maria, Kelly, Chris, Kim, Cameron, Caeden, Jess, Ryan, Matt, Aidan, Megan, Branden, Shannon, Kyle, and Erin.  Great grandchildren include Nolan, Ethan, Colin, Hattie, and Hailey.

Lorin was preceded in death by his daughter Bernadette, parents, and brother Tom. 

After getting married, Lorin began teaching music.  The bulk of his career took place in Geneseo, IL., spanning 33 years and touching all levels of the district.  He was an integral part of the expansion of the instrumental music department, helped students grow their skills via private lessons, and his bands consistently received high marks in area competitions.  Many of his students chose careers in music as a direct result of his influence. 

He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and Bulls, and Lady Leafs basketball. He was a master gardener, auto mechanic and handyman.  He lived a faith filled life as a long-standing member of St. Malachy’s Parish in Geneseo, working tirelessly as a volunteer.  Over the years he was also involved with Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, and Knights of Columbus.