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BORN
1929
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Charles Rhykerd Obituary
His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Normal with the Rev. Ray Owens and the Rev. Mark Wolford officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment will be at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington. Memorials may be made to the Charles Rhykerd Scholarship Fund at Purdue University, Illinois State University's agriculture or chemistry departments, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Chuck was born on April 7, 1929, in Cameron, a son of James A. and Blanche Olson Rhykerd. He married Eileen McIlrath on June 19, 1954, in Woodson.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen Rhykerd of Bloomington; his children, Charles L. (Kristina) Rhykerd Jr. of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Robert L. (Kimberly) Rhykerd of Carlock, and Linda M. (Greg) Ferrence of Normal; and six grandchildren.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nola McEntire and Ann Asplund.
He was educated at the University of Illinois, Ohio State University and Purdue University, where he received his Ph.D. Chuck taught in the USDA Pasture Lab in State College, Pennsylvania, and later at Purdue University, where he was a part of international agricultural research.
In 1985, Chuck received the "Best of the Best of the Agriculture Professors in USA and Canada" Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture. He was inducted in 2012 into the Legends of Agronomy at Purdue University.
Chuck was a member of American Society of Agronomy, National Rifle Association, National Skeet Shooting Association, Amateur Trapshooting Association and American Motorcycle Association.
Online condolences and memories of Chuck may be left for his family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Rhykerd
6 Entries
Laura Vaughn
October 30, 2018
I'm sorry to hear of this turn of events. I only met Mr. Rhykerd a year and a half ago when my mother (Ann Hankins) and I visited West Lafayette in May 2017. He and my dad, B.J. Hankins, were colleagues and friends during Dad's time at Purdue between 1964-1979. During our trip, my mom and I had lunch with Mr. & Mrs. Rhykerd, and it was such a pleasant visit! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him. What a special person he was. My sympathies go with his family and loved ones. I'd love to send a card to Mrs. Rhykerd if you wouldn't mind, please send me the mailing info via email. Thank you, and God bless.
Laura Hankins Vaughn
October 24, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jane Stingley
October 22, 2018
So sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Rhykerd was a wonderful person. He could find good in every person he encountered. He will be missed by all!
October 18, 2018
As a long-time student / friend / colleague of Chuck's, I feel so VERY lucky to visited just the Sunday before his passing!
Luke Pritchett - Ag65
Alice Anderson
October 17, 2018
My condolences to Eileen Rhykerd and family at the passing of Prof. Rhykerd...my thoughts and prayers are with you....
Larry Bolton
October 17, 2018
Rob,
I'm so sorry to read about your father's passing. I am sure he must have been enormously proud of you. Prayers that you are sustained by many happy memories and the love of family and friends.
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Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home1104 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL 61701
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