Harold Lyle Risdon

Harold Lyle Risdon, 97, of Franklin Grove, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital in Dixon, IL.
Harold was born on December 4th, 1927, in Erie, IL. He was the fifth child of his parents, Theadore Lyle Risdon and Augusta Mildred (Scheffler) Risdon.
Harold resided in Erie until moving to Dixon, IL. He graduated from Dixon High School. Harold served in the United States Navy in 1946 & 1947. He graduated from Carthage College with a major in Biology. He was employed by the Pillsbury Mills in Minnesota, MN. Harold and LeVaun Swartz were married June 30th, 1956, in the Joyce Methodist Church in Minneapolis. He was employed by School District #271. He taught the sciences for 20 years in Franklin Grove, IL.
Harold is survived by his wife, LeVaun, of 68 ½ years; three sons, Randy (Suzanne), Steven (Diane), and James (Daphne); two grandsons, Zachary (Elizabeth) and Matthew; and one great-granddaughter, Ellinor. He is also survived by his niece, Martha Ann Anderson (Tom), and niece Judie Emmert and nephew Barton Emmert (Bonnie).
Preceding Harold in death were his parents; his brothers, Norris and Robert (Mary); his 2 sisters, Bernice Potts (Bob) and Lavon Emmert (Merle); his grandson, Kyle Steven; and daughter-in-law, Christine Risdon; also nephews, Baird Risdon and David Emmert.
Harold had a great sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle person who loved nature and conservation. We had fun on our field trips looking for fossils, birds, and animals. He was an avid reader and follower of science. There was always a science project going on around at home. Harold enjoyed oil painting and playing the piano. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, National Wildlife, and Nature Conservancy.
As God accepts this gentle soul into heaven, we will cherish his memory forever.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. Private Burial will take place at Erie Cemetery in Erie, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Wildlife Association and/or the Franklin Grove Fire Department.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com. To send flowers to the family of Harold, please visit our floral store.