Dick was born on June 1, 1943, in Jefferson City, MO, the son of Bert Mills and Jane Edna Bingemann Whitlock. He married Susan Steinkamp on June 12, 1965. She survives.
Also surviving are their children; Richard M. Whitlock of Downs and Brett R. (Jennifer) Whitlock of Bloomington; four grandchildren, Victoria and Angela Whitlock and Owen and Ari Whitlock; a brother, James (Missy) Whitlock of Helen, GA; and a sister, Joyce Voytek of Cleveland, GA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Lawrence Whitlock.
Dick was an Eagle Scout. Through high school and college, he worked on Boy Scout camp staffs. He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BS degree in business education and later earned an MBA from the University of Illinois. He taught high school business in Adrian, MN. He then served for 10 years as a Boy Scout Executive in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois.
In 1976 he began working at Illinois Wesleyan University. He led a talented team whose achievements enabled the building of Evelyn Chapel, Shirk Center, Ames Library, Science Center, and University endowment growth. After 28 years at IWU, he retired as Vice President of University Advancement.
Dick was an active member of Resurrection Lutheran Church. Through RLC, he especially enjoyed coordinating meals at Safe Harbor. He was a devoted husband, and loved being a father and grandfather. He touched many lives and will be missed
Per Dick’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington. Pastor Bryan Deckinger will be officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the celebration at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Resurrection Lutheran Church, Illinois Wesleyan University, or Safe Harbor. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com.
