Dean Ritchie

Dean P. Ritchie, 81, of Decatur, IL, passed away Monday, March 26, 2012 in his home with his loving family by his side. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, Cerro Gordo, IL, with visitation 5 to 7 P.M., Wednesday, March 28, at the church. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery, Cerro Gordo, IL, with graveside military rites by the Cerro Gordo American Legion Post 117. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo, IL will be handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church or to the Cerro Gordo American Legion Building Fund. Dean was born October 11, 1930, in Cerro Gordo, IL, the son of the late Benjamin Earl and Ruth (Peck) Ritchie. He married Doris O. Richardson on May 22, 1952. Dean was a member of the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church and a member of the Cerro Gordo American Legion Post 117. He was a retired farmer, but still went out to the "farm" every day. When he wasn't able to help with the planting and harvesting, he took the men their lunches. Dean was a U.S. Army veteran, in Korea, proudly serving with the 25th Infantry Division during the Korean war. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris of Decatur, IL; daughter Susan (David) Hollingsworth of Cerro Gordo; son David (Gina) Ritchie of Oakley, IL; grandchildren Matthew Hollingsworth, Diann (Scott) Durbin, Heather (Chris) Houser; great grandchildren Jillian and Griffin Durbin, Colin and Ellie Houser, Cheyenne and Marissa Gentry; sister Elaine Ritchie Sommers of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Jeremy Gentry. The family would like to thank Dr. Kairouz and Cancer Care Specialists of Decatur for their care and kindness given to Dean. "
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