Richard C Fahnstrom

Born July 11, 1929 in Worchester, MA to Carl and Dorothy (Smith) Fahnstrom, he married Wilhelmena Maxine Tripp on May 21, 1954 in Galesburg. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Darrel C. “Dewey” (Melody) Fahnstrom of Joliet and Dana Curtis (Chris) Fahnstrom of Mapleton; one daughter, Diane Kristina Krause of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Brian (Tracy) Fahnstrom of Joliet, Brett (Kristen) Fahnstrom of Rockford, Scott Fahnstrom of Joliet, Aaron (Kristi) Krause of Peoria, Sarah Krause of Nashville, Ellen Fahnstrom of Lewistown and Haley (Anthony) Naylor of Bartonville; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Krause, Jordan Krause, Holden Myers and Lauren Fahnstrom and two sisters, Betty Early and Barbara Stanton, both of Northborough, MA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Daniel J. Fahnstrom.

He was a United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War. While in the service, he was a Golden Gloves champion.

Dick worked for 33 years as a heavy power installer for Western Electric, AT&T and last for Lucent Technologies, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Communications Workers of America Local 5090.

He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was a faithful volunteer for Grace Café and a longtime Stephen Minister. He also attended the Friendship Club, Adult Bible studies and was a part of the Young Adult Methodist (YAM) Sunday school class. He enjoyed working on the property and grounds of the church.

He was a former Cub master and coach for youth baseball in Norwood. He was active most of his life and enjoyed biking, snow skiing and roller blading. He also was an avid woodworker. Dick was a fan of the Green Bay Packers, Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics.

Dick will be remembered as a man of faith who made his family a priority in life.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, September 29, 2014 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church for the Grace Café & Food Pantry, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com