Richard Kinser

Richard Lee Kinser, 68, of Rockton, IL passed away on March 27, 2025. He was born April 3, 1956, in La Grange, Kentucky. The son of Charles Donald and Georgia Ellen (Mitchell) Kinser. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1974. Rick leaves us this incredible legacy-he was a husband, father, brother, and son, loved beyond words. He worked hard every day of his life, the kind of son who made his parents proud. As a kid, he was all in for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, baseball, and bowling with his brother David-someone we all looked up to. Even back then, he was out shoveling snow and cutting grass for neighbors, before heading to Jefferson High School. His parents raised him in this warm, caring family, and you could feel their love in everything he became.

He then served our country in the United States Marine Corps. His dream was to follow in his dad's footsteps and join the Military. At a young age he became a proud marine from 1974-1978. He attended Boot Camp, Parris Island, Redstone, Arsenal, Improved Hawk-22-week Honors Graduate. 2nd LAAM (Light Anti-Aircraft Missile) Battalion at MCAS. He served as an E-5 Sergeant USMC in Yuma Arizona. After his service, he moved back to the Rockton area and followed in his father's footsteps yet again and became an engineer at Dean Foods Company in the local area, until he accepted a promotion at Dean Foods in Tennessee at the Mayfield Dairy. Shortly after his diagnosis of dementia, in 2017, he moved back to the Rockton area.

Rick was a devoted member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in South Beloit, IL, and the Knights of Columbus. A man of deep faith and love for the Lord, he found strength in his spiritual life. Every week, Rick and his mother faithfully attended St. Peter's together-a cherished time that deepened their special bond.

As a family, we're deeply thankful for the countless memories we shared with Rick. He thrived in the company of loved ones, from cookouts with family to outings at the Auto Museum in Roscoe, car shows (He belonged to the Viper club and Mustang club), pickleball games, Vegas trips with his brothers, visits to our Kentucky family, yard work, tending to his birds, caring for his car collection, or enjoying a round of golf. Rick loved the outdoors. He was smart, kind-hearted, and endlessly loving-always ready to do anything for anyone, especially family.

He is survived by his loving mother, Georgia Kinser; siblings, David Kinser, Tom (Salena) Kinser, Brenda (Sven) Skupien, Debora (Troy) Stoffregen; nephews, Kristofer (Dulce) Kinser, Jack Kinser, Justin Kinser, Brandon (Erin) Stoffregen, Tanner (Angelique) Stoffregen, Michael Rinaldi, Mathew Rinaldi; Nieces; Hannah Kinser (Mike Cholko), Maya Kinser, Briana Stoffregen, Somer Stoffregen, Mia Rinaldi, Marissa Rinaldi; great nephews, Lucas Stoffregen, Nathan Stoffregen, Joshua Stoffregen, Zachary Stoffregen, Grayson Stoffregen, Jaxson Kinser. great nieces, Aurelia (Hammond) Stoffregen; wife, Pamela Kinser; daughter, Amber (Beth) Kinser-Lindahl; granddaughters, Miranda and Adelaide.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Ray Kinser; father, Don Kinser; Grandmother and Grandfather, Carla and George Mitchell, Grandmother and Grandfather, Lillian and George Kinser, Uncle's; Vince Kinser, Dutch Kinser, Koss Kinser, Bobby Kinser, Tony Kinser, Pat Kinser, and Mike Kinser.

The family will forever love and miss Rick. His memory lives on in the precious moments we shared, which we will cherish in our hearts. We'll remember his warm smile and the happiness of those times as we honor him with his favorite songs-both the ones he danced to and the church hymns he held dear.

"Rick-We will love and miss you every day, holding your smile, your hugs, your favorite songs, and our precious memories close-Until we meet again."

There will be a memorial Mass Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL. Immediately following a prayer and Honor Guard salute at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Belvidere, IL. Luncheon to follow at St. James Parish Center Belvidere, IL. The family will also be holding a celebration of life this summer.