George Ridgeway

George Ridgeway, Jr., 85, of Cerro Gordo, IL passed away Sunday, November 1, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am, Thursday, November 5, 2015 at the Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. Visitation will be from 4-7:00pm on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the funeral home in Decatur, IL. Burial will be at the Cerro Gordo Cemetery in Cerro Gordo, IL. Military rites will be provided by the Cerro Gordo American Legion Post 117. George was born March 21, 1930 in Effingham, IL the son of George and Letha Ridgeway. He grew up around the Wheeler, IL area where he farmed and worked with his Dad. He entered the Army on August 3, 1948 with Company D 31st Infantry Reg. 7th Division until Aug. 3, 1951. While in the service George was stationed at Oliver General Hospital until he was deployed to Korea, where he was a machine gunner. He was in The Chosin Reservoir Battle. After returning home from the service he ended up in Gibson City, IL where he met Mary Lou Hehmann, they were married on October 25, 1951 and were married for 61 years until Mary passed away in 2013. George worked on the pipeline for a couple years around Central IL, then for Chastain and Burgener Surveyors, until he started at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur, IL in 1956. He retired from Caterpillar in 1986. He always said, "He worked the best years a working man could have worked." Dad never met a stranger, he loved to talk to people. He had several things he loved to do; antiques, fishing, coon hunting, and playing cards. But the thing he loved most was spending time with his kids, grandkids, family and friends. Surviving: Becky (Michael) Kuizinas, Marla (Marty) Cogan, Linda Stewart, Dennis (Debbie) Ridgeway, David (Michelle) Ridgeway, and Don (Lisa) Ridgeway. Grandchildren: Rob Albert, Tracy Neinas, Brandi Greenleaf, Josh, Sean, Laura, Katy, and Nick Cogan, Erin Stewart, Derek, Samantha and Bry Ridgeway, Christopher and Rachael Ridgeway. Plus 14 great-grandchildren, one brother: Marvin (Carol), and one sister: Connie Rhoades. George was preceded in death by wife Mary, parents, and two grandchildren, Brian and Shanelle. The family would like to thank Dr. Jatoi, St Mary's Hospital staff, Imboden Creek Living Center, and most of all the residents and staff at Imboden Creek Gardens. You are all special people that made our Dad's life easier. Memorials may be made to the Hope Welty Library in Cerro Gordo, IL. "
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