January 19, 1947 – January 26, 2024
Richard Dust, age 77, of Lansing, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his home on January 26, 2024, after a struggle with multiple myeloma and its complications.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Barbara (Tereba) Dust; his daughters, Jennifer (Joshua) Cottrill, Emily (Tanee) Nimsakont, and Elissa (Anthony) Belli; his grandchildren, Gavin Cottrill, Max Nimsakont, Andre Belli, Julian Belli, and Bridget Belli; his niece, Kristin (Steven) Buffano; and beloved friend of the family, Marian Komorowski. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Violet Dust, and his sister, Donna Steinmann.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 2:00 to 8:00 PM at Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, 3227 Ridge Road, Lansing, Illinois. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 18420 Burnham Ave, Lansing, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make donations to the Rich Dust Teacher Innovation Fund through the AFT Local 683 Union. This new fund will provide grants to District 215 teachers for creative projects for the benefit of their students. Checks can be made payable to “IFT Local 683 Education Foundation NFP.” Please put “Rich Dust” in the memo. Donations can be mailed to AFT Local 683 Union, 755 Pulaski Road, Calumet City, Illinois, 60409, ATTN: Joe Stephan, or donate via Zelle through [email protected] with a note of “Rich Dust.”
Rich grew up in Lansing and graduated from T.F. South High School, where he ran cross country and track. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Valparaiso University. He returned to T.F. South High School as a social studies teacher in 1969, where he taught for 37 years and coached boys’ and girls’ cross country and track for many years, as well as girls’ softball for several seasons. He was known for his humor and fun-loving spirit and care for his students and athletes. He is remembered for founding the T.F. South cross country invitational that now bears his name and for being an early advocate for girls’ athletics, coaching girls along with boys before cross country was officially designated as a girls’ high school sport. In 2022, Rich was inducted into the T.F. South Athletic Wall of Fame, and in 2023, it was announced that the new T.F. South track will be named in his honor.
Rich’s “second act” (retirement) was almost as full as his professional career. He served on the Board of Education for Thornton Fractional High School District 215 for 14 years, including several years as President. During this time, he was known for his advocacy for increased rigor in the college preparatory curriculum and the expansion of vocational offerings at all schools in the district. In addition, Rich served the Lansing community as a member of the Lansing Historical Society, L.A.C.E., and Common Ground. He continued his sports involvement as an IHSA official for track, cross country, swimming, and diving.
Rich was a member of the Lansing United Methodist Church since 1984, where he volunteered in many capacities, including as a youth group leader and participant in the Appalachia Service Project, which he took part in for 20 years. Later in life, through church, he delivered Meals on Wheels and helped implement Walkover Wednesdays to provide recreational activities for T.F. South students on early dismissal days.
In retirement, Rich and Barb had many international travel adventures and enjoyed caring for their grandchildren and following their many activities.
As a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and community servant, Rich will be remembered for the positive impact he made on so many lives. His patience, integrity, humility, compassion, and sense of humor will be long remembered.
Related
- Rich Dust: A Lansing Life (published December 2023)
So sorry about your passing. My father was an only child. I believe you were related to Sam Besse. My father has since passed as well. Just hope your family takes care.
SO sorry FOR YOU loss ! Not only a highschool teacerr to me Good friend also, Worked for a few years with him at T.F. South ! Many of lunches together, ALWAYS GREAT RUNNING IN TO HIM AT fOX pOINT DURING THE SUMMER CONCERTS.
As principal at TFS from 1996 – 2003 it was my honor and privilege to work with Rich. He was an outstanding teacher and person who was dedicated to providing students with a positive educational experience in and out of the classroom. Steven Thomas
Barb, I am devastated to hear about Rich’s passing. I grew up with him and lived four houses down from his parents. I have many fond memories of growing up with him. He was definitely an inspiration to many of us. Prayers and peace to all of your family.
I was surfing online when I came upon the news of Rich Dust’s passing. I was a sophomore when a tall, lanky new teacher arrived at TFS. I had the pleasure of running cross country and track under Rich’s tutelage. He definitely pushed me to the modest success I had. When I returned from an exchange year in Australia, Rich and I started club level boys soccer team. This as a very interesting experience as soccer was just beginning to come into the mainstream. To a life well lived!