Richard Herink

Richard “Dick” L. Herink, 82, of Canton, IL passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020.  He was born on April 11, 1938, in Canton, IL to Frances and Roy Herink.  He married the love of his life, Alice Roberts, on June 9, 1967.  She preceded him in death on January 18, 2014.  Surviving are their two children, Stephanie Herink and Todd Herink, granddaughter, Sabrina Adams-Carroll, two great-grandchildren, Alice & Tyler Carroll, all of Canton, IL, and one sister, Patricia Swartzbaugh, of Hord, IL.  

Following High School, Dick entered the Air Force and served as a Radar Tech.  He later worked for Boeing and then IBM, as a Customer Service Engineer.  Dick was very knowledgeable and respected at IBM and was awarded the “IBM Means Service Award” for his exemplary work.  

Dick was a man of many interests, who was always seeking to learn new things.  One of his early past times was assisting his brother-in-law, Neil Swartzbaugh, on the building, maintaining and racing of the Pink Panther dragster.  He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and thrilled at being able to attend games with his son at historic Lambeau Field.  He was also particularly interested in history and the history of war.  He spent many summers participating in rendezvous’ (re-enactments), where he enjoyed shooting the muzzleloader, throwing the tomahawk, and engaging in fellowship with other like-minded people.  He was instrumental in organizing of the 1983 Midwest Rendezvous outside of Canton, Il that was mistaken for a nudist camp.  

Dick was a voracious story-teller, who loved to talk about the many adventures he had throughout his life.  He had a generous spirit and loved to share what he had with friends and strangers alike.  Dick was a member of the Shield’s Chapel United Methodist Church. 

Cremation rites have been accorded, A private graveside service is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2020, at Shield’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Canton. There will be no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the OSF Senior World in Peoria, IL.  Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services of Central Illinois is assisting with arrangements and notes of condolences may be sent using www.peoriafuneral.com..

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