Duane Ryherd

1934 - 2025

CHAMPAIGN - "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life," Revelation 2:10

R. Duane Ryherd (Nov. 28, 1934-April 3, 2025)

Duane Ryherd joined his Lord and savior and his recently deceased and most beloved wife, Mae (nee Hollman), in heaven on Thursday (April 3, 2025).

Duane was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Sullivan, to William ("Bill") and Florence (nee Kelly) Ryherd. He was the fourth of six children. Duane graduated from Sullivan High School in 1952 and worked in the Chicago area for a time before enlisting in the Army in 1955, serving two years. Upon his discharge, he attended Millikin University in Decatur on the G.I. Bill. It was there that he moved into the apartment next door to Mae Hollman of St. Peter. The two were married June 29, 1958.

Duane graduated from Millikin in 1960 with B.S. degrees in marketing and economics and finance. Duane and Mae also welcomed their first child in 1960 in Decatur before moving to Champaign for the next 64 years. It was in Champaign that the couple lived and raised four children, celebrated over 66 years of marriage together, welcomed 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed their lives together through all of its ups and downs.

Duane had a great work ethic and had many skills and talents. Early in life, he worked construction with his father and brother before serving his country. After earning his degree, he worked for Western Tire Company in Decatur and Champaign, was a department manager and buyer for Robeson's Department Store and also sold insurance for Banker's Life and Aid Association for Lutherans. The majority of his working years were spent as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Ayerst, Wyeth and Ives for 28 years and Eli Lilly, Reliant and Bristol Myers-Squibb for another four years after "retiring."   

Duane loved his Lord Jesus and his family above all else and served them selflessly. He spent many years serving at church as elder, congregation president, confirmation teacher and on numerous boards and committees. In his later years, he was chaplain for American Legion Post 24. Duane shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ boldly, studied scripture and prayed daily, modeling the life of a Christian man to numerous generations. He also loved camping with the family and planned many trips that took them to local spots as well as most of the continental U.S. … making many wonderful memories seeing nature, historical and entertainment sites.

Another favorite pasttime for Duane was encouraging and supporting his family by attending many and varied activities, sporting events, performances and life events for all of them over the course of many years, many miles and five generations of celebrations and events … always expressing pride in and love for his family even to the very last days of his life. He taught by example to live out your faith, be responsible, work hard, be honest and trustworthy, be faithful, and to forgive. Along with sharing his knowledge about cars or finances or home repairs or whatever it was, he also taught his kids to take on tough challenges, be humble, believe in yourselves, keep learning and doing, be kind but firm, and LAUGH. If you knew him, you would have seen the twinkle in his eye and the tell-tale grin on his face and knew of his quick wit and great sense of humor.

Duane also loved to eat - especially his wife Mae's cooking and baking … and homemade pie. He enjoyed collecting coins and stamps and guns, and he enjoyed shooting.

He provided for his family financially, spiritually, morally and emotionally - by example and with great love. He will be truly missed, and "thank you" would never be enough.

Duane is survived by his children, David (Becky) Ryherd, Brian (Ann) Ryherd, Sharon (Pete) Blackwell and Diane (Mark) Love; grandchildren, Jonathan (Julia) Ryherd, Joanna (Martin) Hoppe, Ben (Laurel) Ryherd, Sarah Blackwell, Lisa (Ben) Stremming, Natalie Love, Emma Blackwell, Seth Love, Isaac Love and Megan Blackwell; and great-grandchildren, Marcos Hoppe, Elisa Hoppe, Oscar Hoppe, Roy Ryherd, Lucas Ryherd and Leila Ryherd. He is also survived by one sister, Linda Ebel, and her husband, Joel Martin; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Duane was preceded in death by his dear wife, Mae, parents, four siblings, one nephew and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral services for Duane will be on Friday, April 11, at Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy, 3601 S. Duncan Road, Champaign. Visitation will occur at the church at 10 a.m. followed by a church service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.