P. Andrew Lindstrom, affectionately known as Mr. Red and White for his faithful support of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, died Wednesday, March 18.
Lindstrom, 66, was born and raised in Homewood. He died from complications from a pre-existing medical condition.
P. Andrew Lindstrom, affectionately known as Mr. Red and White for his faithful support of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, died Wednesday, March 18.
Lindstrom, 66, was born and raised in Homewood. He died from complications from a pre-existing medical condition.
Many in the community remember him for his distinctive red and white suit that he wore to Homewood-Flossmoor High School functions, including graduation ceremonies. He proudly accepted the nickname “Mr. Red and White.”
A 1972 graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Lindstrom served on the District 233 school board winning a term in 2007 and being re-elected in 2011. He resigned from the board in 2013 because of work conflicts. He was appointed to fill a vacancy serving for nearly a year between 2016 and 2017.
When he stepped off the board for the last time in May 2017, he had these parting words for the incoming board: “H-F will always be a part of me. The challenge now is which one of you will pick up the red and white (school colors) banner and ask the rest of your members and administrators where their red and white is. It’s important. It lets kids know that you care.”
“He cared deeply for those he served and did so with kindness, respect and dignity. His contributions were many, and he will always be fondly remembered by everyone,” a statement from the District 233 board members said.
“Andy Lindstrom gave himself totally to the H-F family. He was the perfect example of a thoughtful, caring and commited father, husband and community member,” said Jody Scariano who served with him on the H-F board. “He will be remembered as Mr. H-F attired in red and white, and always a cheerleader for Homewood-Flossmoor High School.”
Lindstrom was especially proud of the work he did during his first term as Finance Committee chair in getting the North Building field house and remodeling work funded at an exceptionally low interest rate because of the excellent credit rating the district had.
“We worked so hard to get that Triple-A rating (from Standard & Poor’s) for the taxpayers. That guaranteed the interest rate of 2.7 percent,” he told the Chronicle in 2016. The bonds were sold in 2010. The $26 million sports and recreation center opened in 2014.
Currently the District 233 board rating is AA+.
Before his work with Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Lindstrom served on the Homewood village board, and was mayor over an 18-month stretch between 1996 and 1997. He was defeated in his bid for a full term.
“I have a lot of respect for his service to the community,” Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld said.
Lindstrom was a Homewood volunteer in various capacities. He had served as the District 153 PTA president and volunteered with Homewood Baseball and Softball. He was a member of the Homewood Chamber of Commerce and PADS, the nonprofit group supporting the homeless. He served on church boards and with other not-for-profit organizations.
He was employed in the banking industry for nearly 40 years, mostly at Homewood Federal and South End Savings.
Lindstrom is survived by his wife, Carol, and their six children and four grandchildren.
The family is planning a memorial service in summer.
