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Richard Stephenitch Obituary
MENDOTA - Richard J. Stephenitch, 81, of Mendota died Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2009, at Rockford Memorial Hospital.
He was born April 16, 1928, in Sublette, the son of Leroy and Esther Dinges Stephenitch. He married Rosemary Shannon on Sept. 10, 1949, in Amboy; she preceded him in death in 1988.
He also was preceded in death by a brother, Don.
He is survived by four daughters, Kathi (Bob) Sheridan of Mendota, Peggy (Dave) Joerger and Barb (Chris) Notz, both of Springfield, and Patty (Ron) Contreras of Houston; three sons, Gene (Cindy), Jim and John, all of Mendota; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; and a special friend, Helen Druen.
Richard was a member of Holy Cross Church in Mendota and a 50-year member of Elks Lodge 1212. He attended Amboy and St. Bede high schools. He owned and operated an international harvester dealership in Sublette and Mendota. He also owned and operated the Ace Hardware Store in Mendota with his brother from 1969 until his retirement in 1987.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at Holy Cross Church in Mendota, with the Rev. Fredi Gomez Torres officiating.
Memorials may be made to Elks Lodge 1212.
Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Stephenitch
1 Entry
December 11, 2009
Peggy & family,
My deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of your father. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Lorna Barnett
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