Richard L. Lingenfelter

Richard "Dick" Lee Lingenfelter, 87, of Chillicothe, passed away at home peacefully on February 15, 2026, after a full week of time with family.

He was born on July 13, 1938 in Canton, IL, to Harvey and Victoria (Krulac) Lingenfelter.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy (Edwards), their three children, Becci (Terry) Cheney, Tami (Lindsay) Rhodenbaugh and Rick (Pam) Lingenfelter; his sister, Bonnie Duckweiler and brother, Donnie Lingenfelter; their grandchildren, Stefanie (Nick) Hedden, Tierney (Dan) Smithers, Traig (Megan) Cheney, Kayleigh (Mike) Crabtree, Andrew (Caige) Rhodenbaugh, Joshua (Hailey) Lingenfelter and Erin Lingenfelter (soon to be Erin (Cooper) Howald); their great-grandchildren Kennedy Cheney, Sawyer Cheney, Colter Hedden, Slade Smithers, Maverick Smithers, Weston Hedden, Olivia Cheney, William Crabtree, Lorelei Cheney, Briarlyn Hedden, Eddie Crabtree and Brendan Lingenfelter (and soon Millie Sue Lingenfelter.)

He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Jackie Lingenfelter.

Dick grew up in Dunfermline, IL. His dark tan was indicative of a life lived outdoors, mostly on a ballfield. From sandlot to organized school baseball to a little play time at Western Illinois University, he loved baseball. And good suits and shoes. And cars. And a girl named Nancy. He would see her driving to/from her job as a bookkeeper in an insurance agency while he was driving to/from his job in the drafting department at Caterpillar. He married Nancy and they settled in Mossville near CAT and eventually in Chillicothe. While attending Calvary Baptist Church in Chillicothe, Dick met Guy Welch of the Welch Insurance Agency. Guy gave him a job selling insurance in the evenings and Nancy a job keeping books. In 1971, Dick left Caterpillar and he and Nancy bought the business from Guy and Lingenfelter Insurance Agency was born. During his 66 years as a licensed insurance agent, with his trusty bookkeeper by his side, he often said, "the only thing I sell is service." He loved owning his own business and the freedom it allowed.

Dick was a very accomplished man. So much so that it would be difficult to list all he did in service to others. He served on boards directing ministry, business and civic organizations. He had a focus on ministry even as a young man. Just to touch on a few, he was an original founder of the Chillicothe Bible Church, host of his funeral. Peoria Area Youth for Christ and the South Side Mission held special spots in his heart. He worked with ministries involving Randy Hundley of the Chicago Cubs in the 60's and 70's and Ben Zobrist in the 2000's (The Christian Center's Play with the Pro's.) He even found himself in negotiations with Carmel, CA mayor Sonny Bono over the location of a national softball tournament. He LOVED the Bradley University softball, track/xc and basketball programs. He held the names and stories of thousands of people in his head; his memory is legendary. He was blessed with much and generously, yet quietly, blessed others with what he had.

Dick was an optimist through and through. Everyone he met was interesting and important. A person would have to try very hard to be otherwise in his eyes. He lived 84 years with great health and energy. When his health faltered in 2022, an entirely new world of connections opened to him. He enjoyed his stays in the hospital where he met so many people. He never failed to make some sort of connection with those caring for him. Nurses and doctors welcomed him back and they loved having him as he was a joyful patient with a clever sense of humor.

Of all his accomplishments, Dick was most proud of his 67 years of marriage to Nancy and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No one could be prouder of the runners, ballers, cheerleaders, dancers, artists, scholars, adventurers, teachers, stylists, gamers, coaches, leaders and LEO's he and Nancy find in the family. He unconditionally loved each branch on their tree and he showed his love regularly. He also shared his faith. He read his Bible every day of his life and he lived his faith like few men can. He slept well every night, free of worry and shame. He was a great man and follower of Jesus. He is at peace with his Savior now.

Services will be held at Chillicothe Bible Church on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00am. A visitation will be held Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm at Weber-Hurd Funeral home in Chillicothe. Memorials may be made in Dick's name to South Side Mission (1127 S. Laramie St., Peoria, IL, 61605) or Chillicothe St Jude Runs (4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614.)