Gerald was born November 9, 1935, in Elmwood, Illinois, to Gerald M. and Cecil L. (Mooney) Van Tine. Gerald spent his younger days in Fairview and Ellisville. On December 24, 1954, he married the love of his life, Ruth Arnett. They were married 61 years, with Ruth by his side at his home-going, as she was throughout their years of ministry together.
At a very young age, Gerald answered the call to be a shepherd of men. During his years of ministry, he and Ruth served congregations in Bushnell, Robinson, Rosewood Heights, Quincy, Mattoon, Shelbyville and Canton. Gerald officially retired in 1998 but never really retired from his calling to care for God’s people. His ministry was defined by his kind and compassionate care of the flocks entrusted to him by the Lord. Besides his ministry to God’s people, he was also a renowned musician. His piano playing took him literally throughout the United States playing in conferences and camp meetings. He had a gospel style unique to only him.
Gerald was a loyal husband, a faithful provider, a selfless and generous father, an adoring grandfather, a doting great-grandfather, and a constant and conscientious shepherd. All of those he cherished knew and felt his great love for them.
Gerald is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, of Canton; sons Reverend Kevin (Janice) Van Tine of Canton, Geron (Brenda) Van Tine of Pekin and Gerald Mark (Terri) Van Tine of Canton; his precious grandchildren, Alicia (Kyle) Bloyd, Ashley Phillips, Abbie (Stephen) Colwell, Lance (Jeri) Van Tine, Joel (Taylor) Van Tine, Brandon Van Tine, Dustin Van Tine, Taylor Van Tine and Brittany Van Tine; six great-grandchildren, with another expected in August; sister Betty (Jerry) Gray of Broadhead, Wisconsin; brother Bill (Kay) Van Tine of Ellisville; brother-in-law Donald Meyering of Willmar, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Cecil Van Tine; sisters Patricia Williamson and Shirley Meyering; and brother-in-law Donald Williamson. Blessed be his memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 AM Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Covenant Community Fellowship Church in Canton (2075 North Main Street) with Reverend Kevin Van Tine and Reverend Phil Reilly. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 4-7 PM Tuesday at the Church.
Memorials may be made to his church, Covenant Community Fellowship.
The Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is honored to serve the family of Rev. Gerald G. Van Tine.
Condolences may be left online at or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.
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