Obituary: Steidinger

Posted on August 20, 2018
Richard Steidinger (Duffy-Pils Memorial Home)

 

FAIRBURY –  Richard F. Steidinger, 86, of Fairbury, died at 7:52 p.m., Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community, Chenoa.

Cremation rites have been accorded per Dick’s request. There will be a visitation with the family, celebrating his life from 10 to 12 noon, Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. A family graveside inurnment will take place at a later date in South Apostolic Christian Cemetery, rural Fairbury.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be directed to Futures Unlimited or Hope Pregnancy Center, both of Pontiac.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of services.

Richard was born November 27, 1931 in Fairbury, the son of Harvey and Christine (Lewis) Steidinger. He married Janet Hofmann on June 2, 1954 in Fairbury.  His wife of 64 years, Janet survives in Fairbury.

Also surviving are one son; Mark (Pam Chandler) Steidinger, Pontiac, three daughters; Tami (Steven) Wright, Gridley; Lori (Mark Heil) Steidinger, Pontiac; Jill (Randy) McCulloh, Chenoa; one brother, Ronald (Carol) Steidinger, Valdosta, GA; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Marjorie Steidinger, one brother, Robert Steidinger and one daughter, Dawn Steidinger.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community and VITAS Hospice for the loving care given to their father at the end of his journey.

Dick enjoyed life and never knew a stranger. He always had a kind word, joke or story for anyone who would listen or he came in contact with.  He farmed and raised his family in rural Fairbury as well as owning and operating the Farmer’s Pub in Chatsworth for many years.  Dick had a tough exterior with a tender heart and loved his family, deeply.  His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences and guestbook for the family are available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…