Richard Earl Hodel

Born in Cissna Park, IL, on July 22,1937, he was the son of the late Samuel and Gertrude (Young) Hodel. On August 29, 1965, he married Bonnie Koehl in Peoria; she survives.

Further surviving Rich are his four loving children, Rick (Nadiah) Hodel of Summit, NJ, Matt (Kristen) Hodel of Denver, CO, Jill (Jeff) Eshelman of Peoria, IL, and Jeana (Patrick) Corker of Jersey City, NJ; seven grandchildren, Abbey, Izzy, Noah, Anya, Mia, Charlie, and Audrey; two brothers, Irvin (Sharon) Hodel and Marvin (Gail) Hodel, both of Peoria; and four sisters, Ethel Waibel, Jeanette Hoerr, Roma Rumbold, and Rhoda Hess, all of the Peoria area. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Rosemary Stock, Edith Plattner, Barb Schafer, and Dorothy Meister.

Rich graduated from East Lynn High School and attended Bradley University. He served in the US Army and was stationed at Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, CO. He was a home builder for over 50 years.

Rich was a man that loved God, his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He always enjoyed spending time with them vacationing, fishing, and skiing. Tending to his vegetable garden was one of his favorite things to do, as he shared his harvest with others. As a husband, he loved faithfully. As a father of four, his family knew him as a provider, protector, and steady presence. He took pride in finishing jobs correctly, knowing his work represented his name and affected the lives of others.

Even though the last few years brought a difficult journey of dementia, God never left him. Today we know that he is healed completely, his mind is clear, and his body is whole. We are thankful for those who extended their love and support to us.

Rich was a member of the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church where his visitation will take place on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Cemetery near Edwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Peoria Apostolic Christian Cemetery Fund or to Apostolic Christian Skylines.

To leave condolences online, please visit www.woolsey-wilton.com