Obituary of Richard Stinson

Rock Falls - Richard (Dick) Jay Stinson, 84, of Rock Falls, died Thursday, May 27, 2010, at CGH Hospital after a courageous 23-year battle with cancer. He was retired from Rock Falls National Bank as a Vice President and Agricultural Loan Officer. Richard was born August 21, 1925, in Buda, the son of Alden and Alice (Davis) Stinson. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943, serving in WWII as a signalman on the submarine tender, USS H.W. Gilmore. Richard married Kathryn A. Smith on August 10, 1947, in Sheffield. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He taught Vocational Agriculture and Science at Avon High School for 8 years and was the Farm Manager at the Farmers & Merchants State Bank in Bushnell for 14 years, before joining Rock Falls National Bank. Richard was active in the community and loved helping others. He was a founding member of the Community Mennonite Fellowship Church. He was an active member and volunteer of the Rock River Development Association, Good Neighbor Emergency Center, Rotary Club, American Legion, Lions Club, Caring Place, and numerous other civic activities. He was a long time volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scout Master. Richard loved to sing and sang on Praise Teams in various churches. He and his brother, Jean, often sang and performed at local nursing homes and other venues. He was the recipient of the Rock Falls Shoulder to the Wheel award. Richard loved life, and one of his greatest joys was meeting and visiting with people wherever he went. More than anything else, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; four children, Richard (Ann) Stinson, of Washington, Rebecca (Paul) Kregar, of Washington, Mary Mendenhall, of Bushnell, and Michael D. Stinson, of Rock Falls; one brother, Jean "Barney" (Tracey) Stinson, of Dixon; ten grandchildren, Sarah Glick, Tom Stinson, Amy Mulder, Wendy Norlin, Deanna Bishop, Kyle Mendenhall, Katlin Mendenhall, Jennifer Szegda, Michael R. Stinson, and Kristie Stinson; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald, who died in infancy; one sister, Joyce Webb; two grandsons, Jacob, son of Richard and Ann, and Andrew, son of Michael D.; and son-in-law, Don Mendenhall, husband of Mary. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at Science Ridge Mennonite Church with Pastor Dan Rusmissel, officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday at Hopeland Cemetery, Buda. Visitation will be from 2-4 PM, Sunday, May 30, 2010 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com