Richard E. Haselton

Richard E. Haselton, 94, of Rockford, IL passed away on August 26, 2023 at home with his loving family by his side. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Rockford, IL to Roy and Lena Clayton Haselton.

His family lived in rural Byron, IL and later moved to Leaf River, IL. Richard attended Leaf River High School and was part of the graduating class of 1946. Rick served in the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers in Okinawa during the Korean War from 1948 to 1952. He met the love of his life, Darlene (Tiny) Hanson, while home on leave and were wed on June 19, 1954. Rick and Tiny took the term “Hand in Marriage” to an entirely new level. You never saw one without the other, hand-in-hand throughout their 69 years together. A true love story.

Rick worked as a rural mail carrier for 20 years before deciding to take a leap into the business industry. He became President of Murphy Moving & Storage for 11 years. He later went on to sell the business and went to work for Christofferson Moving until retiring in 2002. He was an extremely hard worker and regularly volunteered for clubs such as the AmBucs and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

To say he was an avid Nascar fan would be an understatement. He and Tiny promoted charter flights to many races, including Daytona, Charlotte, and Talladega, making many friends along the way. Richard was also a huge Chicago Bears fan, rooting them on regardless of wins or losses.

Rick lived a long and healthy life with the love of his life, Tiny, and his family by his side. He was an AMAZING father, father-in-law, grandpa, uncle and so forth. Although our hearts are broken, his spirit & memories will always be with us.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene (Tiny) of 69 years; two sons,Gary (Mary) of Norwalk, IA and David (Marcie) of Rockton IL; grandsons, Corey and Kyle Haselton; brother, Francis/Bill (Mary Lou) of Poway, CA.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty (Don Reints); brothers, Eugene (Thelma) and Dale (Margaret).

The family would like to express gratitude to Javon Bea Hospital staff; Rick’s hospice nurse, Julia; Peak Medical Home Care; and Rev. Sarah Hong for her spiritual guidance and loving prayers.

The family is planning to hold a service at a later date. They would like to thank all those for their kind words of sympathy and prayers.

“If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, and in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, no one else can ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.”

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