Charles R. "Dick" Bruch

Charles Richard "Dick" "Charlie" Bruch, 65, of Monmouth died at 1:35 p.m. Monday (June 6, 2011) at his home.

He fought a courageous battle with esophageal cancer since October 2009. In the end, he may have been overtaken by his illness, but his loving wife was by his side the entire time. Dick and Janice battled his cancer together along with their family. He also enjoyed visits from dear friends and family during his illness which helped to brighten his day.

Dick was born July 2, 1945, in rural Monmouth. He met Janice Lorene Mohr in high school. They were married July 18, 1964, in Aledo. Dick and Janice enjoyed 47 years together. They lived a wonderful life and were best friends. She survives.

Dick attended several area schools and graduated in 1963 from Yorkwood High School. He grew up in different places around the rural Monmouth area. He moved several times after marrying Janice for work with Krogers. In 1975, Dick and Janice decided to move back with their children to the Monmouth area. At this time, he started working at Illinois Power. He retired from Illinois Power in 2007; a year after Janice had retired from her teaching job. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and anything involving his grandchildren, whom he referred to as "PaPa's Gang." He and Janice logged many hours spending time with the grandchildren: driving every two weeks since 1994 to visit in Quincy, going to sporting events around Monmouth and Quincy, school functions, and taking the grandkids for weeks at a time in the summer. Dick was one of the kids when they were around … always playing and having fun. He was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He held his family close as long he was here … And will be in their hearts forever dear.

His family includes his wife; two daughters, Jani (Bill) Brooks of Quincy, and Christi (David) Vestal-Munson of Monmouth; five grandchildren, Blake and Bryce Brooks of Quincy, Clayton and Hannah Vestal and Kellie Munson, all of Monmouth.

SERVICES: Cremation has been accorded. Burial will take place at a late date.

VISITATION: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth, where his family will be present 1-3 p.m.

MEMORIALS: A memorial fund has been established to be designated later.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hoover Hall Funeral Home, Monmouth

WEBSITE: hooverhall.com.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.