Richard "Rich" D Rife

He was born June 9, 1949 in Peoria to Roy, Jr. and Norma Frances (Southey) Rife. His parents and two brothers, Ronald Joseph Rife and Terry Lee Rife, preceded him in death.

Surviving are his life partner, Diana Williams of Pekin; one son, James Hilst of Pekin; five sisters, Barbara (Jerry) Sidell, Susie (Joey) Goodin, Judy (Dennis) Winn, Linda McGuire, and Kay (Jim) Spencer, all of Pekin; two brothers, Don (Lori) Rife of Spring Lake and Bill (Linda) Rife of Pekin; and many nieces and nephews.

A United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he served from March 5, 1969 to October 16, 1970. He received The Bronze Star.

He owned and operated Rich Rife Concrete Company in Pekin for many years.

Rich enjoyed his corvette and had a love for music especially Country music. He was a fan of NASCAR and followed Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and later Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He also loved Chicago sports: Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. Rich will be remembered for his love of his family and friends and being a caring and giving person.

His graveside funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 28, 2017 at War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and Tazewell Military Rites Team. Please join the family following the graveside at the Roy L. King Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1232, 15665 VFW Road in Pekin for a gathering celebrating Rich’s life.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614 or to the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind, Post Office Box 5522, Peoria, IL 61601.

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