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Richard Guingrich Obituary
PEORIA HEIGHTS - Dr. Richard D. Guingrich, 68, of Peoria Heights died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Nov. 8, 1939, in Edelstein, the son of Doris Fehr and Edward Guingrich. He married Nancy J. Burgess on May 11, 1962, in Peoria.
She survives, along with his mother, Doris Guingrich of Eureka; four sons, Richard M. (and Jessica) Guingrich of Peoria Heights, Anthony Shaun (and Wendy) Guingrich of Peoria, Adam J. Guingrich of Peoria and Brendan T. (and Cherie) Guingrich of Peoria Heights; one daughter, Larissa R. Guingrich of Peoria Heights; grandchildren, Ashley, Richard A., Chelsea, Maggie, Michael, Aidan, Alexandra, Elizabeth, Miranda, Ethan and Tyler; three sisters, Carol (and Harold) Hohulin of Goodfield, Judy Cottrell of Eureka and Rebecca (and Dennis) Pyles of Sparland; five brothers, Wayne Guingrich of Peoria, John (and Gwen) Guingrich of Chillicothe, Norman (and Cheryl) Guingrich of Chillicothe, Daniel (and Sandy) Guingrich of Indianapolis and David Guingrich of Peoria; and one sister-in law, Sandy Guingrich of Michigan.
He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Larry Guingrich.
Richard graduated from Princeville High School, class of 1957, where he was class president and a member of the varsity football team, wearing 55.
He entered the U.S. Army in 1959 and served until 1962, where he was a member of the 10th Medical Detachment and 65th Medical Group. He was a supply officer stationed in South Korea and received a letter of commendation upon discharge.
He graduated in 1968 from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in chemistry. He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi honor society in 1967 and worked throughout college at Pabst Brewery.
In 1972, Richard graduated first in his class with honors from the University of Illinois School of Dentistry in Chicago. While in dental school he received the Alpha Omega fraternity award for highest scholastic standing for four years of dental study. He served on the supreme council of Psi Omega fraternity. He was named to the Omicron Kappa Epsilon honorary dental society in 1972 and was awarded the University of Illinois Kurtz-Spence Award in recognition of excellence of operative dentistry in 1972.
He completed his residency from 1972 to 1975 at Carle Clinic in Champaign/Urbana, specializing in oral maxillofacial surgery. Dr. Guingrich practiced as an oral maxillofacial surgeon in Peoria from 1976 until his death. He was on staff at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Methodist Medical Center, Proctor Hospital and Eureka Hospital.
He was a member of the Illinois Dental Society and the Peoria Dental Society.
He also taught advanced cardiac life support from 1978 to 1989 in the central Illinois area.
He was a member of the Country Club of Peoria and Arrowhead Country Club. He served on the board of the Apostolic Christian Skylines Inc.
He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his profession, NASCAR, golf and his 1952 MGTD. He also loved Christmas and chocolate cream pie.
Richard was a member of Sheridan Road Apostolic Christian Church, where services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 12, with ministers of the church officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure, Peoria. Visitation will also be from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Siteman Cancer Center at Washington University, 660 S. Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110; Illinois Oncology Research Associates, 8940 N. Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.
Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home in Princeville is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family via www.hammitt-hott.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Guingrich
Melissa Webb-Fike
September 4, 2008
Nancy, Adam & family -
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Richard. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always treasure the memories that I have of him and your whole family. God Bless!
Dave and Judy Knobloch
July 17, 2008
To the Guingrich family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Rena Miller
July 15, 2008
I just found out today from my father of the loss of Dr. Guingrich. He was the only oral surgeon that I went to and trusted with my TMJ syndrome. I was referred to him from Dr. Walz. He was the best and I will miss him so much, my son also just recently went to him and loved him, said mom, he is really a good surgeon, I replied:"Yes son, he is". My deepest, sincerest condolences to the Guingrich family, may god bless you in this time of need. My prayers are with you. GOD BLESS!
Dr. Jack Walz
July 14, 2008
I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Richard Guingrich. He will be truly missed in the dental community. We shared mutual patient referrals over the many years I knew him. Our patients spoke very highly of him and his expertise. On several occasions Richard provided professional curteosy services for those in need and I always appreciated his thoughtfullness in those situations. He was a gentle, compassionate, and a very capable provider. I will miss working with him.
Teri Hipp
July 14, 2008
Nancy Jo, Shaun and the Guingrich Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Richard's death. I will always have fond memories of "Dr. G" and the rest of your family. My love to all of you.
Teri (Copilevitz) Hipp
Evelyn Clayton
July 14, 2008
I was deeply sadden to learn of Doc's passing. He was a very caring Doctor to his patients and to the nurses who cared for his patients in the hospital. He had compassion plus a good bedside manner. I also happen to have been a patient of his and was very scared of the procedure that was preformed. Later that night he called to see if everything was OK and also called me the next morning. That showed he cared fo his patients.
Laura and Doug
July 12, 2008
There are no words that can express the loss of Richard. Doug and I both have wonderful memories of the four of us that will live on forever. My heart aches for you and your family. He fought a very courageous battle and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May God be with you always. Our thoughts and prayers will continue on for all of you.
Judy Christian Frietsch
July 11, 2008
Nancy and family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Guinrgrich. I remember what good care both of you took of me when I was a patient. Nancy, you even told me stories about growing up going to my grandparents gas station in Princeville and your kindness has always stuck with me. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sam & Julie Altpeter
July 11, 2008
Nancy and family,
May God give you strength and comfort during this time. We will be praying for you.
John Guingrich
July 11, 2008
Rich
I remember how when you were in high school and playing football - #55 Left End Reciever - how you would have Larry and me try to tackle you - for practice. We would crouch at one end of our lawn in Edelstein and you would come tearing straight at us. I could not believe how much energy and power were in your legs churning full speed at us - and how I would hold my ground until the last possible moment and then fling myself to cover as you went by. At least Larry managed to occasionally get a hand on you. I know you can run like that now once again - and wonder if you have. Or whether you are simply so awestruck by what you are seeing that you have not been able to catch your first full breath of Heaven's air. I have been reading a book called Heaven by Dr. Randy Alcorn - I would have shared it with you but I feared that if I gave it to you - you would catch a glimpse and simply give up the fight. So I will instead share it with Nancy and Larissa and the boys and their families - I do understand a little bit of what you are seeing as once when I was very young - I was allowed to see across the portal -- Do not fully understand why - God had a reason - but I have carried the memory of it thru all my days and always will - so incredibly beautiful that that I could have stood in that one place for all of eternity and been wholly content and at perfect peace. It is unbelieveable isn't it? I rememeber exactly to this day what I saw - and how for three days after that - I was nearly unable to speak - and then the eyes of my heart were shielded or I would not have been able to go on living here in this life. I wonder if you have had time to really sit down and talk to our Grandparents- if you have by now sat and talked to Dad and Larry -- have gathered with ice tea under a tree and just sat and talked. If you are able to read some of this over my shoulder - We will be fine - you know - we miss you - but we will be along soon
john
Mike & Kathy Leman
July 11, 2008
Nancy and the entire Guingrich family - Richard was a very special cousin - his kind and gentle ways and his little chuckle. He pulled two of my wisdom teeth and was surprised no was with me to drive me home!! that stubborn Fehr came through!! May many fond memories hold you up in the time(s) ahead. We love you all!
Judy Cottrell
July 10, 2008
Dear Nancy, children, and grandchildren,
I think I cried most of the week away so far, not to mention the last 6 months! What a special brother Richard was to me - - always there through the good times and the bad times. He had such a special servant heart, as you all know. I will always remember Richard's reaction to praise or thanks. Whenever he received a word of praise, he would hang his head and quickly change the subject as he did not want to be praised. Whenever we thanked him for anything, he again would hang his head, turn away, wave his hand at the floor and say, "now we're not going to talk about that"! Again, he never wanted to be thanked. His joy was, without question. in giving and not receiving! There are so many people who have benefited and been helped by his humble, giving ways in one way or another. I am going to miss him so very much! -- he had such a gentle, giving, loving spirit, and he was many times in life my "right-hand man"! Richard, would be thoroughly embarrassed by the praise I am writing in this guest book, but he was just such a wonderful "big brother"! And as so many of us of the family and relatives agree, it just is not going to be the same without him. He was the glu in our family and was, for the most part, the one that always got us together. He loved family times and family heritage!
As we all know, Richard, fought so hard to beat the cancer so he could stay here for all of you. It was so hard to see his health deminish as he was a very young and active 68 year old. As hard as it is to let him go, I am so thankful that the Lord took him home so he does not have to suffer anymore!! I prayed that God would give him many jewels in his crown for the big, loving heart he had and displayed.....but knowing, Richard, he would not even care about the crown but would be content to just be inside the door and be the gate keeper.
Thank you so very much Nancy, Rich and Jessica, Shaun and Wendy, Adam, Brendan and Cherie, and Larissa for all the special, loving care you gave him during his illness. It meant so much to us his extended family. I will continue to pray fervently for you all many times each day. May God be with us all and carry us through the next couple of days as we say good bye to our dear loved onel!
All My Love, Judy
P.S. My dear "big brother" Richard - I love you so much, and will never, never forget you! As I loved you in life, so will I love you in death. I will always remember you as a "peacemaker". One who sought for peace and love through thick and thin. Words cannot express the thanks in my heart for all you have done for me, and the times you stood by my side when I stood alone. The special, musical "Sister" box you gave me for Christmas a few years ago will always sit on my dresser and will be played on a daily basis.....and the tears will flow........................!!
Good bye, Richard...and with the Lord's help...I will meet you at the Eastern Gate!!
With all my love.......Your "sis", Judy
Jan Elsasser
July 10, 2008
Dear Nancy & family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have many precious memories of growing up with the Guingrich family near Edelstein. I wish I could be with you to share your sorrow, but I am in Phoenix, Az at this time. (near Sam & Cindy). May God be with you all. With Love & Prayers, Jan Elsasser
Tibbie & Merlin Landwehr
July 10, 2008
Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Guingrich. I have such fond memories of working with both of you. Please take comfort in knowing that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Marsha Kampfl
July 10, 2008
Dr. Guingrich and Rich,
I remember looking up in the emergency room and seeing your father for the first time. I was in shock from a terrible auto accident and he was like an angel. How he was able to put my mouth back together, I'll never know. You and your family are in our prayers. Hold on to all the memories as they will get you through this trying time.
God Bless,
Marsha Kampfl and family
Beth Mallory
July 10, 2008
Dear Aunt Nancy and Kids, Even tho Uncle Richard is home with Jesus, he will be missed by all. We love you and will continue praying for you all.One of the fond memories is going to your little apartment ,eating pizza with you when we were kids. May all the beautiful memories that you hold in your heart for your hubby and Dad give you much comfort and strength. Love,Beth and Steve
Carol Hohulin
July 10, 2008
PRECIOUS BROTHER RICHARD
WHAT A HONOR AND JOY TO HAVE YOU AS MY BROTHER. YOUR LOVE FOR ALL OF US AND EXTENDED FAMILY AND FRIENDS. YOUR SMILE AND OH HOW YOUR EYES WOULD LIGHT UP TELLING US LITTLE TIDBITS OF YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. YOUR LOVE FOR NANCY YOUR WIFE. YOUR HUMBLE CHRISTIAN WALK. ALWAYS PUTTING YOURSELF LAST AND THINKING OF OTHERS FIRST. YOU WERE TRULY A EXAMPLE TO ALL OF US AS TO HOW TO WALK IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE.
SO MANY PRECIOUS MEMORIES I HAVE GROWING UP WITH YOU. SORRY DEAR LITTLE BROTHER I THREW YOUR BELOVED TEDDY BEAR UP ON THE GARAGE ROOF. MOM MAKING A TENT FOR US WITH A LARGE STICK AND BLANKETS AND SERVING YOU AND WAYNE AND I KOOL AID AND FROSTED CRACKERS IN THE TENT.SIMPLE PLAY AND JOYS. ALL THE TIMES AT GRANDMAS FARM IN ROANOKE WITH COUSINS, AUNTS, UNCLES ECT. CLIMBLING THE FARM BUILDINGS, PLAYING IN THE CORN CRIB,RIDING THE HAY DOWN TO THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE BARN. RUNNING FAST TO AVOID GRANDMAS GEESE BITES. HOLIDAYS TOGETHER,FAMILY GET TOGEHERS.SO MANY TIMES YOU AND NANCY CALLED AND WE WOULD EAT DINNER TOGETHER WITH DAD AND MOM AND FAMILY. RICHARD YOU WORKED HARD ALL YOUR LIFE STARTING OUT WITH OUR PAPER ROUTES DELIVERING THE PEORIA JOURNAL, WORKING IN THE ASPARGUS AND DETASSLING FIELDS, WASHING AND DETAILING CARS ON SATURDAY AT HOME. WE LEARNED THE SATISFACTION OF A HONEST DAYS WORK AND REAPING THE AWARDS FROM IT. THE LITTLE JARS LINED UP ON THE SELF WITH OUR NAMES ON THE JAR FOR OUR EARNINGS. THANKS RICHARD FOR TAKING CARE OF ALL OUR FAMILIES AND US. WE KNOW YOUR HOME IS IN HEAVEN AND WHAT A JOYOUS REUNION WITH THOSE WHO HAVE GONE ON BEFORE. THANKS NANCY FOR TAKING SUCH GOOD CARE OF OUR BROTHER AND FOR BEING SUCH A GOOD WIFE TO HIM. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AS WE DO YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. RICHARD WE WILL MEET YOU IN HEAVEN AND BE TOGETHER AGAIN. HAROLD AND I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT UNCLE TO OUR CHILDREN. TILL WE MEET AGAIN. YOUR SISTER CAROL AND HAROLD.
Ken Blue
July 10, 2008
My condolences to the family of Dr. Guingrich.
Jerry and Marge Morris
July 10, 2008
Shaun, Wendy, Nancy and the rest of the Guingrich Family,
I will not pretend to have known Richard well, but over the eight years I have been acquainted with him I have known him to be a kind and generous man whose family was the most important thing to him. Shaun, Rich, Adam and Brendan, one day you will be on the golf course and have an incredible round (maybe even a hole-in-one) and know that you are having another round of golf with Dad. Jerry's and my prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Jerry and Marge
Oliver & Diane Garber
July 10, 2008
To The Guingrich Family:
We got the call from a mutual patient of mine and Richard's. We are saddened to to hear of your loss.
Our deepest sympathies to you all.
Heather Steinbeck
July 10, 2008
Nancy and family--
We have prayed for your family throughout this time and will continue to do so as you miss your sweet husband/dad/grandpa.
Love and prayers, Heather and Dave Steinbeck and family (Steve and Beth Mallory's daughter).
Mollee Ostrander Dagastino
July 9, 2008
To the Guingrich family:
Dr. Guingrich took such wonderful care of my elderly mother when she needed oral surgery. He was upfront with her, worked out a payment plan that was easy on her wallet (she was dependent solely on social security), and provided wonderfully tender care. I lost her almost 2 yrs ago. You have my condolences and prayers.
dawn fehr
July 9, 2008
I remember two things about Richard. One was hearing the story of how he worked on Johnny Cash. The 2nd was he ALWAYS tried to outbid me for the homemade cinnamon rolls at the Fehr Family Reunions! I hope memories like this will help ease the grief felt by family & friends.
Julie Vaughn
July 9, 2008
I am sorry for your loss. He was a great oral surgeon and successfully pulled out my wisdom teeth. Rich,Jessica and the rest of the Guingrich family, I hope God brings you peace. I hope he gets several holes in one in heaven. God Bless Julie (Cummings) Vaughn
Sheila Sasso (jr)
July 9, 2008
To the Guingrich family:
You don't always have to know someone to feel saddened by the loss of such a special person. I have heard MANY wonderful stories from my mom about how full of life & energy Dr. Guingrich was all the time. He was admired & loved by his HS classmates & added many special memories to their annual (crazy) adventures & trips. I know you will be sorely missed by them....but I'm positive...NEVER forgotten!
My prayers & sympathy to your family.
July 9, 2008
I just received the call and we are so extremely saddened and sorry, Nancy Jo. I really thought we could pull him thru with our prayers and our love, but maybe the prayers made the leave taking more bearable. They will continue for you and for the family. We love you so much and are thinking of you with grieving hearts, but remembering with smiles the very special times we have shared. He will be missed so very much.
Michael & Mary Sheila Harmon Sasso
Junior F. Harlan
July 9, 2008
To all of Richard's family:
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. You are all in our prayers as you go through this trying time. Richard was a special person throughout his whole life. You have our deepest sympathy.
Dorothy & Junior Harlan
Carri Baker
July 9, 2008
Larissa,
My heart is saddened at your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Dave and Sally Freeman
July 9, 2008
John and Gwen,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Caryl Jean (Smith) Colgan
July 9, 2008
To All of Richard's family,
My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to all of you! Carol, I know our whole class is praying for you...Nancy and children, I can't imagaine the loss you're feeling, but be assured that my love and prayers are with all of you, too.
marilyn kuntz
July 9, 2008
Dear Nancy and Families,
The tender mercies of our Lord are with you all. Our sincere sympathies and prayers are many...just to sustain you. Be encouraged on this day and always that "Richard and Nancy" will be a phrase that brings smiles and memories of laughter and good friendship and the Class of '57.
With Hope overflowing,
marilyn kuntz
Richard M. Guingrich
July 9, 2008
Dad, the Lord needed a great Oral Surgeon and He certainly has one in you. Thank-you for being such a great father, grandfather and mentor to me and my little family. I have locked all of the good memories of you and our entire Guingrich family in my heart...so rest assured that I will never forget! I will carry on your legacy and do you proud. Don't worry all of us kids will take care of Mom and each other just as you cared for all of us. Dad, save me a spot in your foursome and remember to trust your line and follow the putter to the hole. I love you very very much. Rich
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