04/28/2026
Over the years, I’ve known people with a deep zeal for Christ, and every time we lose someone like that, it leaves a hole. But with Andre, I don’t know that I’ve ever seen someone with such a zeal for recovery. He didn’t just walk his own journey, he poured that fire into every one of us. He loved our CR group. He couldn’t wait to get back each week.
I keep thinking about his testimony, how he shared about those years in the 80s and 90s, the life he lived, and then the way everything changed. These last six years… he was on fire. His life answered the question, “What’s in it for me?” with, “Here I am, send me.”
He was writing worship songs, songs straight from his heart. And I like to think that right now, he’s singing those songs to an audience of One… face to face with the Savior he loved.
And the truth is, for us… we’re still in the fight. We’re still going to face struggles. That’s the reality of recovery. But Andre, he’s found the healing we’re all reaching for. The full healing. The complete peace.
He was so excited to step into leadership at CR Boonville, always looking for somewhere to serve, somewhere to give back, somewhere to help the next person.
And that’s why… yes, we grieve. But we also do what CR has always been about, we celebrate.
We Celebrate Recovery.
We celebrate changed lives.
And, we celebrate Andre’s life… and his healing.
Because his life is proof that it works. His life is proof that no matter how far you’ve gone, God can bring you back. His life is proof of hope.
So as we move forward, we honor him best by doing what he loved most, showing up, leaning in, fighting for our recovery, and celebrating every single victory along the way.
Because that’s what Andre did.
And that’s the legacy we carry forward.
Andre John Lemieux went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2026.
Andre was born January 3, 1964, in Chicago, IL, and was lovingly adopted by Corinne and James Lemieux. Andre led a creative and an adventurous life, pursuing his passion for music by traveling the United States as a lead singer for multiple bands. He had the good fortune of playing regular shows in Las Vegas and other major cities, opening for popular acts like Ted Nugent, and playing high-end political fundraising events in places such as Napa Valley. One of his favorite gigs was a six-year stint as the front man in a Johnny Cash tribute band in Colorado. Over the years, Andre worked many odd jobs, but he always came back to his first love: music. He later let God use his artistic talents, leading worship in several different congregations and writing and recording original Christian music.
After meeting in 2003 and dating off and on over the years, in God’s perfect timing, Andre married Lori Gerke on April 26, 2018. They made their home in Boonville, MO, shortly thereafter.
The only thing Andre loved more than Lori was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He devoted most of his free time to his church and Celebrate Recovery (CR), an organization built on faith and dedicated to helping the many people with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. He was so thankful for the relationships God blessed him with in both church and CR.
He was quick to build connections, a thoughtful friend to many, and a proud organ and tissue donor whose gifts benefited no fewer than six people throughout his lifetime.
Andre touched so many lives that his unexpected passing has left a major void, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Lori; Lori’s daughter, Brittany; father-in-law, David DeGraffenreid; brother, Paul Lemieux (Chris) and their children; and many other beloved family members, primarily in the Chicagoland area.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents and mother-in-law, Janice DeGraffenreid.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Boonville, Missouri. Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery. The family requests to “Please dress comfortably!”
In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to Celebrate Recovery at First Baptist Church, 625 Main Street, Boonville, MO, 65233.
Arrangements are under the direction of Howard-Millard Funeral Home, 1397 Ashley Rd., Boonville, Mo 65233 (660) 882-3381. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.howardfh.com.
