Richard D. Melchin

KEWANEE – Richard D. Melchin, 93, of Kewanee, died Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Hammond-Henry Long Term Care Center in Geneseo.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 16 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kewanee with Rev. Fr. Burnell Eckardt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in Wethersfield Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is in charge of arrangements.

He was born October 1, 1928 in Kewanee, the son of Carl and Lena (Lasse) Melchin. He married Florence I. Stortz on October 3, 1954 in Roanoke, IL and she preceded him in death on November 27, 2004. Survivors include his son, Wesley Melchin of Clinton, IA, his daughter, Cindy (David) VanLandegen of Rock Island, two grandchildren, Luke and Sarah and five great grandchildren; Dorothy and Monica VanLandegen and Josiah, David and Helena Shoop. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lena and a brother, Donald.

Richard graduated from Kewanee High School in 1946 and in 1945 he skipped class to attend a World Series game and got a detention for his actions. He served his country in the U.S. Army for 2 years serving in the Korean War and 3 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He worked for the railroad starting on steam locomotives and then was a Locomotive Engineer for CB&Q from 1952-1987. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, an avid Chicago Cubs fan and he enjoyed model trains.

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