Obituary of Richard L. McKenna

Richard L. “Dick" McKenna, 87, of Sterling died peacefully in his sleep Sunday, September 23, 2018.

Dick was born August 6, 1931 in Sterling, the son of Joseph and Marie (Lefevre) McKenna. He married Leona Coppotelli on October 1, 1960 in Rock Falls. She preceded him in death on April 28, 2017.  Dick was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sterling.

Survivors include one daughter Julie (Jerry) Lindsey of Lake Villa; one son Brad (Diana) McKenna of North Aurora; two brothers Wayne (Becky) McKenna of Sterling, and Ron (Mary) McKenna of Medford OR; one sister Marlene Cathelyn of Loveland CO; four grandchildren Michael, Melissa, Amanda and Alyson; and one great grandchild Dylan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Leona, and one sister Marie.

Dick was a 1949 graduate of Community Catholic High School (Newman) in Sterling.  In his early years he enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, boating and motorcycling.  He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Marine Corps 1st ANGLICO unit as a radio operator from 1951-53.  Dick was employed as a machinist at Northwestern Steel & Wire for 43 years, retiring in 1992.  During retirement, he volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Sterling.  He also enjoyed, bicycling, photography, sketching and painting throughout his life.  Dick was also a music lover, especially Dixieland jazz concerts.  In his later years he continued to enjoy the outdoors, as well as gardening, baking and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be 1-3 PM Sunday September 30, 2018 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation in Sterling. Mass of the Christian Burial is 10AM Monday October 1, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church in Sterling, and burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.