Longtime Galesburg Union Leader Larry E. Van Velsor Dies at 82

Van Velsor worked at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years and served as Union President for Local 444.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:08am

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Larry E. Van Velsor, a longtime resident of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 82. Van Velsor worked at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years and served as the Union President for Local 444. He was also an active member of the community, contributing to various sports and youth organizations over the years.

Why it matters

Van Velsor's passing marks the end of an era for Galesburg's manufacturing and labor history. As a long-serving union leader, he played a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of local workers during a time of significant change in the industry.

The details

Van Velsor worked as a design draftsman at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years, during which time he also served as the Union President for Local 444. After retiring from Maytag, he spent two additional years helping with job placement for former employees. Van Velsor was also an active member of the community, contributing to various sports and youth organizations over the years, including coaching YMCA basketball, Galesburg Youth Football, and baseball.

  • Van Velsor passed away on March 10, 2026.
  • Van Velsor worked at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years.
  • Van Velsor served as Union President for Local 444.

The players

Larry E. Van Velsor

An 82-year-old resident of Galesburg, Illinois, who worked at Admiral/Maytag for 38 years and served as the Union President for Local 444.

Katherine J. Callahan

Van Velsor's wife of over 61 years.

Todd Van Velsor

Van Velsor's son.

Christine Van Velsor

Van Velsor's daughter-in-law.

Pastor Jordan Knight

The officiant for Van Velsor's funeral.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Galesburg, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Visitation for Van Velsor will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. His funeral will be held the following day, Monday, March 16, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the same funeral home, with burial to follow at Abingdon Cemetery.

The takeaway

Van Velsor's life and legacy serve as a testament to the important role that unions and community involvement played in Galesburg's manufacturing history. His passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the city and its workers will not be forgotten.