BARTONVILLE - Richard E. "Dick" Closen, 77, of Bartonville died at 7:58 a.m. Friday, April 9, 2010, at his residence.
He was born on March 14, 1933, to Frank and Rosella Burdess Closen. He married Patricia Schmidt on Jan. 26, 1957. She preceded him in death on Feb. 9, 2005.
Surviving are one son, David (Lisa) Closen of Holden, Mo.; and one daughter, Jane (Vahooman) Mirkhaef of Willowbrook, Ill.; four grandchildren, David, Nathaniel, Danielle and Elena; and two sisters, Marilyn Vogt and Carol (Steve) Lacanski, both of Peoria.
Dick took pride in being a loving and wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a friend to many.
Dick served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, becoming a Korean War veteran.
He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Co. as a computer analyst for 43 years.
Dick was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville and also was a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Jude Council in Peoria.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bartonville. Fr. David Heinz will celebrate the Mass. Visitation will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Endsley Funeral Home, 1107 W. Garfield Ave. in Bartonville. A Scripture service will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be 30 minutes prior to the services at church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Peoria.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
To send condolences online to the family, go to www.EndsleyFuneralHome.com.



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6 Entries
Debra Stephens
April 17, 2010
I just found out that your father passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a good man who loved his kids and grandkids very much. I had the privilige of cutting his hair for many years. We enjoyed many conversations over the years. I came to his house and cut his hair in December. I told him it was a privilige to do that for him. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Debra Stephens, Deb's Barber Shop
Ginnie Barker
April 13, 2010
Jane & David, Dick was a special friend and god father to one of our children. I was so saddened to hear of his death, will sure miss his smile and good humor. Shall remember all of you in my prayers. An old neighbor from Bartonville. Ginnie Laidler ( Barker)
Barbara (Miller) Fahel
April 12, 2010
We're thinking of you at this time and wishing you - Comfort and Peace.
Mike, Barbara & Greg Fahel
* I worked with Dick when he hired me at Caterpillar over 35 years ago.
Barbara (Miller) Fahel
April 12, 2010
Great guy, great friend and he was my supervisor at Mapleton I.S. for many year, may our Lord and savior Jesus Christ continue to bless the family
Emily Jackson
Larry Fitch
April 11, 2010
I worked with Dick for many years at the Cat Mapleton foundry. He was a good friend and a pleasure to work with with.
April 11, 2010
I can remember all the exciting times we had on Paramount Rd. Good friends last forever. Your mom and dad are forever in my thoughts and prayers.God bless all your family.
Faith Romanus
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