Walter F. "Nick" Vanderlaan

WALTER F. “NICK” VANDERLAAN, 84, of Decatur, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family 3:00 P.M. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

A Private Graveside funeral will be held at Point Pleasant Cemetery in Long Creek on Monday August 19, 2024. Pastor Rick Spangler will officiate. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. 

Nick was born on May 10, 1940, in Chicago, IL to Fred and Mary Ellen (Smith) Vanderlaan. 

Left to cherish his memory are his three children, Tammy J. “TJ” Vanderlaan-Wells and her husband Paul, Greg Vanderlaan and his wife Connie, and Kevin Vanderlaan and his wife Christie; twelve grandchildren, Trevor Petro, Andria Sapp, Kyle Petrucha, Brandi Vanderlaan, Sarah McLain, McKinzy Vanderlaan, Isaac Vanderlaan, Brianna Nicholson, Veronica Keatts, Chastine Winkler, Nathaniel Woods, and Gabriel Vanderlaan; nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson; two brothers, Roger and Fred Vanderlaan and many , many nieces and nephews.

Nick was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ronnie Vanderlaan, two sisters, Betty Burke, and Mary Stuber, a daughter-in-law Laura Vanderlaan, and a granddaughter, Erin Collins. 

Nick was a 1958 graduate of MacArthur High School in Decatur, IL. He owned his own business, Nick’s Auto Body/Auto Repair and Service Inc., for over 46 years and 100,000+ vehicle repairs. He hosted a Friday morning radio show; open call-ins called, Auto Shop with Nick! for many, many years. He was a World Racing Record Holder and an all-around car enthusiast!

Nick’s family is grateful for the 6th floor staff at St. Mary’s Hospital and the dedicated Hospice caretakers.

Memorials may be made to the New Life Pregnancy Center.