Andrew Brian Mains

Andrew Brian Mains, age 74, of Garden Prairie, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 with his family at his side. He was born on March 14th, 1951, in Houston, Texas to Ralph Sr. and Shirley (Erb) Mains.

Ralph and Shirley settled in Garden Prairie where they raised 9 children. Andrew attended Kishwaukee Grade School followed by Belvidere High School and was in the devastating tornado of 1967 in Belvidere. Andrew’s first job was at Arnold Engineering where he worked until he was drafted into the US Army. He spent two years serving in the 11th Armored Calvary, the Blackhorse Regimen. Andrew was a proud tanker driving the “Damn Dog” while he was stationed in Germany.

In 1973, Andrew was able to meet his newly born first daughter, Heidi Irene, and

welcomed his second daughter, Hollie Ann, in 1979; his daughters were his world and he made sure everyone knew that.

After serving in the US Army, Andrew returned to Arnold Engineering where he was a proud Union Machinist and served as union president for a period of time. He continued to work for Arnold Engineering until a stroke forced him into early retirement in 2007. He wasn’t ready to retire but made the most of every day he was given.

Andy was devoted to spending time with his very large family, attending to his rose bushes, trees, flowers, and mowing his lawn. He raised and loved many loyal dogs over the years. Watching the Cubs, the Bears, and movies, listening and dancing to music, having bonfires were all things he loved to do, but he especially loved riding his Harley trike.

Boone County and Garden Prairie were always special to Andy as he lived there the majority of his life. He looked forward to spending time with friends and family at the Boone County Fair, Chicken Broasts, and the Fireman’s Breakfast; he loved the demolition derby. Andrew proudly supported any organization involving veterans, and thanked every veteran personally that he came across. Garden Prairie was a community that he loved being a part of and he made lifelong friends that loved and supported him until the end; his daughters truly thank all of you for that.

Andrew will be missed by his daughters: Heidi (James) Watson and Hollie (Michael) DeRose, his Grandchildren: Darrin Jon Zimmerman Jr., Logan Andrew DeRose, Lea (Max) Hendrickson, Sedona Dianne DeRose, Heather (Derek) Doyen, James Bradley Watson Jr,, and Thomas Jordan Watson, and Greatgrand Children: Mila Rose, Olivia May, Braxton Andrew, Carter Mitchell, and Elwood James, his sisters: Connie Mains, Sherryl (Rich) Velmont, Marsha (Jim) Peters, Dixie (Joe) Zobal, and Bunni (Erich) Lotspeich, and many beloved neices, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph Sr. and Linda Mains, and his Mother, Shirley Wesenberg, Siblings: twin brothers, Ralph Jr. and wife, Pam Mains, and Charles and wife, Sue Mains, twin sisters: Sylvia Mains and Cindy Kampfrantz, and Brother, Roy Mains, along with numerous family members and friends that were ready to lovingly greet him to resume the Pinochle Game in the sky.

A celebration of life for Andrew will be held Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Belvidere VFW, 1310 W Lincoln Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008.