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Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

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Tolono, Illinois

Rick Black Obituary

SADORUS - Rick Black of Sadorus died Saturday (June 21, 2025).

He was born July 13, 1956, to Ralph and Edith Black. He was a 1974 Unity High School graduate and worked on the railroad and the Sadorus elevator before he took a job for the University of Illinois, first at the Assembly Hall and then at the Dairy Cattle Research farm. He married Tari Wilson Black on June 2, 1984. They had three children, Danielle (CJ) Berger, Jessi (Clint) Schwartz and Travis (Mackenzie) Black. Rick and Tari were blessed with six grandchildren who were the light of Rick's life, Ellie, Hailey and Trace Schwartz and Charli, Lucas and Camden Berger. Watching them play sports or showing pigs were Rick's favorite things to do.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Jim Black, Cathy Burton and Patty Richardson. He will be missed by his remaining siblings, Linda (Dennis) Henry, Barb (Ron) Gramley, Donna (Bob) Musson, Debbie Ridinger, Tim (Becky) Black, Janet (Liz Osborn) Black, Mary Jo Black and Jeannie (Bryon) Henson; and many nieces and nephews.

Rick was a former mayor of Sadorus, former president of the Sadorus Sportsman's Club, former EMT and chief of the Sadorus fire department, a Cubs fan and loved Illini sports.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sadorus, with Pastor Mike Stoeger officiating. Burial will be in Craw Cemetery, Sadorus. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jun. 23 to Jun. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Rick Black

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4 Entries

Karen Lee Myers

June 25, 2025

Thoughts, prayers, and hugs for the entire family during your time of loss. May your happy memories help you during this difficult time.

Sheila Lincicome

June 25, 2025

So sorry of Rick´s passing. My sympathies go to you at this difficult time. Sheila Lincicome

Dawn Williams

June 23, 2025

So Sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We were Class of 1974 together. My condolences to his Family

The Havens Family

June 23, 2025

Sending you our deepest condolences during this difficult time. Treasure the memories and hold them close to your heart.

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Memorial Events
for Rick Black

Jun

23

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Freese Funeral Home

407 N. Bourne Street, Tolono, IL 61880

Jun

24

Funeral service

2:30 p.m.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

Funeral services provided by:

Freese Funeral Home - Tolono

407 N. Bourne Street, Tolono, IL 61880

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