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Richard Hemmingsen Obituary
"Rick"
Richard Helge "Rick" Hemmingsen, II, of 1417 E. Ironwood Country Club Dr, Normal, IL, died at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 30, 2008, at his home, while surrounded by his family, after a courageous two year battle against kidney cancer.
Rick's funeral service of praise and worship, celebrating his life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, at Christ Church, 1301 N. Linden St., Normal, IL with Pastor Bob Smart officiating.
There will be no visitation. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington, IL. Immediately following the burial service, everyone is invited to a celebration luncheon at Christ Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his daughter Lanie's education fund, C/O of the family at 1417 Ironwood Country Club Dr., Normal, IL 61761.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington is in charge of arrangements. On line condolences may be sent to www.calvertmemorial. <>
He was born June 17, 1959 at Aurora, IL, the son of Richard Helge and Doris Madden Hemmingsen, I. He married Kimberly Ross on May 16, 1987 at Peoria, IL. Kim survives.
Also surviving is his daughter, Lanie Alexis Hemmingsen, at home; two sisters, Roonie Anderson, Plano, IL and Holly (John) LeCocq, Dunlap, IL; his mother-in-law, Patricia A. Graves, Dunlap, IL; a brother-in-law, Gregory (Christine) Bradshaw, Sarasota, FL; a sister-in-law, Pamela (Reed) Roesler, Dunlap, IL; a special aunt, Mary Alycia (Bob) Cassidy, Bartonville, IL; five nieces; three nephews; two great-nieces; and one great-nephew.
His parents preceded him in death.
He graduated from Plano High School, Plano, IL and from Illinois State University, Normal, IL, with a BS in business.
Rick enjoyed spending time with the Lord, his wife and daughter Lanie and extended family, golfing, and Chicago sporting events. One of Rick's greatest loves was helping others with an open heart.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Hemmingsen
Cindy Sauder
March 31, 2009
Dear Kim,
I have been wanting to contact you since I heard that Rick went home to be with the Lord. I still can't believe it and my hearing the news could have only been the Lord's doing. I think of you and wonder how you and that pretty little daughter of you and Rick's are holding up. I know you have Jesus and your church family and I am so thankful. I would love to talk to you. When I read Rick's obituary I cried such tears of sadness and joy. I have to say as long as I have been a Christian I have never read anything that so touched my heart. I will be working in Bloomington starting April 6th, I would love to see you. Please E-mail me if you feel moved to do so. May the Lord comfort you daily and give you His peace.
All my love in Him,
Your sister in Christ
Cindy Sauder
Lori Densberger
September 12, 2008
Hello Kim,
I am so so sorry. I did not know Rick but know he was very special to you, Lanie, and to so many others. I pray that the Lord will give you strength and encouragement everyday. May your memories of Rick give you peace and comfort.
September 5, 2008
With deepest sympathy,
The Plano High School Class of 1975
Terry Perrine
September 4, 2008
Kim-
I remember the close friendships we all shared in Peoria during the early years of our lives. We were quite a group 25 years ago and my reflections of those days still brings a smile to my face. I received word today and I send my thoughts and strength to you and your family.
Aaron Matuszewski
September 4, 2008
Kim & Lanie
I had the pleasure of meeting Rick 9 years ago as he was starting with Cabot and I was starting up my business. From the moment we were introduced, I knew Rick was a special person. The mentoring he provided could not have been taught at any college. One of my favorite memories of Rick: Rick and I were driving on a what seemed like an endless road trip of sales calls. Rick's cell phone rang and I glanced over to see Rick holding his cell phone out the window on a very brisk January Wisconsin day. When I gave him the look of 'are you losing your mind'? He just smiled and said 'my daughter wanted to know what Green Bay sounded like. Green Bay will always be a little quieter.'
Thank you, Rick, for all of your help and mentoring. It will never be forgotten and you will be missed! And I know what a great seat you now have. But the Bears still won't be able to beat the Packers!
God Bless.
John Van Engen
September 3, 2008
Kim and Lanie:
My deepest sympathy to you.
I met Rick when he interviewed me for a position with Valspar just over 2 years ago. I have always enjoyed his upbeat personality and positive attitude. He was a great encourager to me as well this past spring when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery. We've shared some conversations about cancer and the treatment options, as well as our faith in our Lord. I will miss Rick, as I'm sure you will too, but I trust our Heavenly Father to bless you with his grace and his promises that are new every morning.
Peace,
John Van Engen
Mark McClellan
September 3, 2008
Laine, Kimberly and to all those who walked with Rick through his journey.
Rick was an inspiration and a role model in both his personal and professional life. Children and adults alike need role models such as Rick to look up to. Those that conduct themselves with class, courage and conviction. I look to Rick as a role model and would be proud to have my two daughters do the same. May God bless you.
David Harrold
September 3, 2008
Rick was a special friend and I will miss him greatly. His presence added joy and laughter. He is a blessing to all that knew him. My prayers will be with his family.
Charlene Hubbard Ryan
September 3, 2008
Holly,
So sorry about the loss of your brother. My thoughts are with you.
Vaughn Culp
September 2, 2008
After spending several years speaking to Rick on an almost daily basis, one thing I am sure about is that he had a good heart. He kept track of the things that were important to people, an not just because it was good business. He genuinely cared! As my time away from the business, and our distance from each other increased over the years, we spoke less often, but he was never far from my thoughts. The very last time I spoke to him he told me that he loved me, and went on to explain that being sick had taught him not to hold such feelings inside, but to express them immediately. He went on to elaborate on the lesson he wanted me to learn from his illness, which was to live everyday as if it were your last. And so it is, and will be, that I will think of him as I attempt to follow that lesson. May the Creator cradle you in his hand, and may you forever bask in the warmth and glow of his light Rick Hemmingsen.
John Smart
September 2, 2008
Kim & Lanie, So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We've lost a great friend. We had some great times together working for Cabot. We'll miss his upbeat attitude, it was infectious. Our thoughts are with you.
Melissa Standley
September 2, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Ren Scharnhorst
September 2, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Rick was a very special person.
Steve & Eva VanDever
September 2, 2008
Rick, You are truly a special person. One who touched and inspired everyone you came in contact with. I feel privileged to know you and will miss you everyday. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Stanley Schwartz
September 2, 2008
Dear Kim,
Mary & I want to express our sincere sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. Our loss but heavens gain. I was so saddened when I received this news via e-mail from T. White.
I first had the privilege of knowing Rick while he worked at his fathers store in Plano 38 yrs. ago where I sold them UGL products. Rick & I would frequently talk about those fun early years while attending our annual UGL sales meetings.
This past Jan. I retired from UGL.
Kim, may God bless and protect you and your family.
Stan & Mary Schwartz
Scott Lucas
September 2, 2008
My sincere condolences. I will be with you folks in spirit and prayers...I am so sorry for your loss.
Holly (Salter) Guppy
September 2, 2008
Kim, Lanie, & (Mary) Alicia (Cassidy), My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God's healing hand touch your hearts, helping you through out your lives. Holly (Salter) Guppy
Ben Sciolino
September 2, 2008
Rick you "Stood tall while others were watching" Thanks for being the inspiration that we all can look up too! We will talk again someday my brother...until then may GOD almighty comfort and bless your family!
Dan Miech
September 2, 2008
Kim, Lanie, Holly, and Roonie:
We just return home yesterday and heard the news that evening. I am so sad for you for losing such a wonderful husband, dad, and brother. I cannot image the pain you feel in hearts over losing Rick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sincerely,
Marilyn McIntosh
September 2, 2008
There really aren't any magic words except to say I am so very sorry on the loss of your brother. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Mary Ann Dobrich
September 2, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Jack Wickham
September 2, 2008
Rick, for the last 19 years you were my friend and colleague. I will miss your enthusiasm, your laugh and our long talks. You battled cancer the same way you did everything, 100% effort. What a warrior. I'm grateful your pain is over. I'll miss you.
Tom White
September 1, 2008
Betty & I prayed for Rick and your family every week. He was truly a special person. Having kept track of Rick from afar, we were all ways impired by his love for his family and his drive and perseverence in his life. Words escape me now but We will continue to pray for everyone left behind. God be with you Rick.
Thomas Daniels
September 1, 2008
Rick was a great friend, co-worker and family man - he will truly be missed.
Michael Murphy
September 1, 2008
Rick, you inspired me in Christ and in life, may God Bless your memory and you’re Family…. 1 Corinthinians 16:13-14 Stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong. Do everything in love……. This passage was YOU. You will be missed.
John Vernia
September 1, 2008
Rick will always have a special place in my heart. My family and I will continue to pray for Rick and his family in their time of need.
Matt Pedrone
September 1, 2008
God Bless your family during this time. The Lord blessed Rick and I am so thankful to have known him.
Charles Allen
September 1, 2008
Rick, you where a true inspiration to everyone you met. I am deeply sadened, but know you are in a better place. Until we meet again my Brother in Christ.
Bob Gallet
September 1, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Chuck Chapman
September 1, 2008
God bless all of you and be with you. He was a fine example for everyone of how to live a life.
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