Richard Craig "Dick" Belshaw

Richard "Dick" Craig Belshaw, 95, of rural Carthage, Illinois passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage. He was born on July 17, 1930 southwest of Bentley, Illinois to Donald C. and Irene Allen Belshaw. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1948. On October 22, 1950, he married Lucille "Dude" Howd in Carthage, Illinois. They spent more than 75 years together as husband and wife.

Dick was a lifelong farmer, raising grain and livestock south of Carthage. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage. He was a longtime Harmony Township cemetery trustee, a member of ATA, NFO, and Carthage Gun Club. Dick also served as a school board member of three different districts. He was active in the Swing Easy square dance club of Keokuk, Iowa. Dick was a longtime member of the Carthage Eagles Club, where he could be found making pancakes at the monthly breakfast. While Dick served in many community organizations, his most important role was of husband, father, and grandfather. He took pride in teaching his grandkids and great grandkids to fish, garden, and mushroom hunt. There were always adventures that included feeding the fish, riding on the tractor, and camping. He was always a fan of Allis Chalmers tractors and Gleaner combines.

Dick is survived by his wife, Lucille, and his daughters Joyce (Dave) Biery, Judy (Dave) Hartweg of Carthage, and Janice (Rusty) Baird of Whitesburg, Tennessee; grandchildren Tera (Shannon) Stewart of Sullivan, Ryan (Erin) Biery of Carthage, Jennifer (Joel) Brown of Crescent City, Samantha (Darin) Klingler of Carthage, Jason Hartweg of Carthage, and Amanda (Ricky) Gibson of St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren Scott and Matthew Garrelts; Rylan and Jake Stewart; Katie, Anna, and Luke Biery; Rylie and Connor Brown; Jackson and Miranda Klingler; and Jayden, Jozie, and Jordy Fields; 6 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings Betty Collins of Shawano, Wisconsin, Glen (Eileen) Belshaw of Carthage, and Margie Pollpeter of Ft. Madison, Iowa.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 5 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage with burial to follow in Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. Memorials may be directed to Carthage Fraternal Order of the Eagles or the First United Methodist Church. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of the arrangements.