Richard M. Duchene

Richard Milton "Dick" Duchene, 66, of Wichert, Ill., died peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side Sunday (March 25, 2012). Dick was born Sept. 28, 1945, the son of Milton and Adeline Duchene. Dick married Gloria (Gordon) Aug. 6, 1966, and this past year they celebrated their 45th anniversary. Dick was grateful to be married to a wonderful and devoted wife. He took great pride in his children and was an encouragement to them his whole life. He particularly enjoyed cheering for his kids and their teammates at their athletic events. Dick and Gloria raised their family in Bourbonnais before retiring to their country house near Wichert. Dick was raised a farmer's son. As a young man, he served his country as a boilermaker in the U.S. Navy, with active duty service in the Vietnam War, and as a Navy Reservist. For 16 years he was employed with General Foods in Kankakee and later retired as a roofer. Dick was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears on TV, at least until halftime. He was known by friends and family as a repair man of just about anything, a skill he learned from his dad. He was fond of his mother's chicken noodle soup, sweet corn, chicken wings, a beer and most of Gloria's meals, to which he would affectionately say, "Excellent, Lady-G!" Many enjoyed Dick's regular sessions in the "shed" to design a repair or maybe just reminisce about the glory days. Dick's light-hearted personality, his patent expressions and his ability to tell a great story will be sorely missed. Dick is survived by his wife, Gloria Duchene (Wichert, Ill.); son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Cary and Becky Duchene and Ryan "Mr. John Deere," Caroline, Serena, Nathan, Samuel and Noah Duchene (Erie, Mich.); son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, Kenneth and Christina Duchene and Gracie, Emma Rae, Zachary, Hannah "Blondie" and Alyce Duchene (Fulton, Mich.); and daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Melissa and Jason Gund and Trent, Amber and Jacob Gund (Bradley, Ill.). He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth Anne and Ronnie Simmons (Herscher, Ill.); sister, Renee Duchene (Herscher, Ill.); and many nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant twin son and daughter, Bruce and Barbara Duchene; infant grandson, Kenneth John Duchene; and nephews, Greg Gross and Chad Simmons. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, west Kankakee, where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Lance Hurley will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley. - http://www.hkvcares.com/

Richard M. Duchene

September 28, 1945 - March 25, 2012