Charles Ridlen

1932 - 2025

Charles Ridlen

September 22, 1932 - March 22, 2025

Charles William Ridlen, 92, of Decatur, died on March 22, 2025. A celebration of life memorial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on May 3, 2025, at Maranatha Assembly of God.

He was born on September 22, 1932, to Charles Frederick Ridlen and Doris Franklin Ridlen. He was the oldest of five children; they, too, lived long lives, enduring such times as the Great Depression. His parents instilled God into Charles's life from a very young age.

It was at a church youth group that he met Greta Willhite and began dating her at the age of 16 when she was just 14. By the time they had reached the ages of 19 and 16, the pair got married. They raised three children and spent 69 years together until Greta passed away in 2021.

Charles was a Staff sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956, and worked as both a mechanic and then a technical instructor. He was always interested in making new things and finding new and improved ways to get things done. He loved God with all his heart, serving in his church and sharing Christ with anyone that he could. He was a member of Maranatha Assembly of God, where he served as an usher, a deacon, and also on the church board.

He is survived by his daughter, Regina E. (Steven) Trichel; sons, Kevin I. Ridlen and Randy W. (Diane) Ridlen; grandchildren, Chris P. (Michelle) Golembeck, Jennifer R. Golembeck, Robert Ridlen, Andrea (Remington Smith) Ridlen, and Megan Ridlen; great-grandchildren, Jaden C. Golembeck and son, Daxton Golembeck, Geonna R. Woods, Lucas Z. Golembeck, Maria Smith, Lydia Morgan, and Jude Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Greta J. Ridlen; parents, Charles Frederick Ridlen and Doris Franklin Ridlen; brother, Julian Ridlen; and sister, Roberta Ridlen.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maranatha Assembly of God, 555 W. Imboden Drive, Decatur, IL 62521.