Richard L. Stiffler

Richard (Dick) L. Stiffler, 94, of Roscoe, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in the presence of his family at home. He was born October 20, 1928, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of George and Doris (Bookman) Stiffler. He graduated from East High School and married Rita Wickson on April 3, 1948, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rockford, IL.

A man from ‘the greatest generation’, an entrepreneur that took chances, made his own luck, and quietly fed, clothed, and sheltered a wife and eight children. As a ‘behind the scenes’ husband and father, he was always there. Richard was a devoted and dependable father, husband and grandfather. He instilled a strong sense of values and work ethic in his family. He started his working career at Smith Oil Corporation in Rockford and later became an owner of both Central & Auburn Gulf and Sinnissippi Sunoco respectively. Later managing the Beloit, Wisconsin plant for Muller-Pinehurst Dairy. He jumped back into entrepreneurship when he purchased a local Maid-Rite restaurant in Loves Park and concluded his work life at Hononegah High School in Rockton before enjoying many years of retirement beginning in 1994. He and his wife Rita were parishioners as well as instrumental in the formation of Church of the Holy Spirit in Roscoe.  He spent his days enjoying backyard nature, traveling, local and family history and caring for his homestead property.

Survived by his children, Steve Stiffler, Cynthia (Carl) Orlando, Bill Stiffler, Howard (special friend Deanna Phillips) Stiffler, Ann (Jesse) Campos, Patty (Dean) Schermerhorn, Ellen (Matt) Harp; grandchildren, Shannon (Brad) Chambers, Michael (Elizabeth) Stiffler, Justin (Danielle) Zwiger, Andre (Deyanira) LuQue, Damien (Pam) Stiffler, Clinton Stiffler, Jonathan (Mallory) Stiffler, Molly (Bobby) Syal, Owen (Brittany) Stiffler, Ruben Campos, Preston (Annie) McDonald, Alex (fiancé’, Anna Nantais) Harp, Annabelle Harp, Margaret (fiancé’, Sean Kuske) Harp;  precious step and great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and in-laws. Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Stiffler; son, Gene Stiffler; parents, George and Doris; and siblings, Dale Bookman, Audrey Cunningham, and Ronald Stiffler.

A private family celebration and mass will be held. His children would like to especially thank the incredible staff of OSF Healthcare/Hospice. Memorials can be made to OSF Healthcare/Hospice. Heavenly Father, we ask for your mercy and grace for Richard's soul as they begin his journey into eternity. Please bring him into your loving arms and grant him peace and rest.

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