Obituaries

Pearl City

Richard Clark Plager, 84

Richard Clark Plager, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 29, 1940, to Clark and Alice (Brandt) Plager.

Richard attended Lamm Grade School and graduated from Pearl City High School in 1958. He briefly studied at Iowa State College, but the familiar scent of freshly turned soil and the call of farm life soon drew him back to the family farm, where he continued the family tradition of milking cows.

On August 20, 1961, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Baysinger. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years, raising three cherished children: Carla (Lance) Grisham of Lanark, Mike (Kim) Plager of Pearl City, and Jodi (Jeff) Switzer of Bloomington, IL.

As a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard found immense joy in attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school programs and sporting events. He delighted in spontaneous tea parties, giving rides on the old John Deere Gator, and hosting family dinners. Richard’s unwavering faith, dedication to family, and commitment as a Centennial Farm farmer defined his life. Known for his playful spirit and kind nature, his beloved smirk will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Nancy and their children.

A lifelong member of Lena Free Evangelical Church, Richard enjoyed a vibrant faith and loved sharing the teachings of God with others. His family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the friends, hospice workers, and caregivers whose compassion and support allowed Richard to remain in the comfort of his home, where he spent his final days gazing at the beautiful countryside from the sunroom.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; their three children; eight grandchildren—Ryne (Callie) Plager, Calley (Sam) Lemm, Kristin (Aaron) Dinderman, Justin (Ashley) Grisham, Abbey (Forrest) Niebuhr, Kendall (Nick) Dobrinich, Miranda (Ty) Harmston, and Alex (Erica) Switzer; and thirteen great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 years to just 3 weeks old.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Lowell Bicker; and sister-in-law Mary Diane Baysinger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Lena Free Evangelical Church. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10 AM, followed by a luncheon. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport.

In our hearts, we know Richard is at home in Heaven, but he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Please visit http://www.burketubbs.com to share a memory of Richard.

Lena

Richard E, McNett, 76

Richard E. McNett, age 76 of Lena, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, IL. He was born on July 10, 1948 in Dodgeville, WI; the son of the late Delvin and Doris (Disrud) McNett. He married Kathy Hammond, the love of his life, in 1983, celebrating 49 years of marriage. Together they had a son, Justin. From a previous marriage Rich had a daughter, Tammy and a son, Tom.

Rich served in the United State Army. He worked at Kelly Springfield/Titan Tire. He also owned and operated Rich’s Road House in Freeport, IL as wells as The Old Ship (JR’s) in McConnell, IL.

He was an avid fisherman, fishing various tournaments. He was on a bowling and a pool league. He enjoyed boating and coaching and watching his son Justin play baseball. He also enjoyed playing euchre and cribbage. Most of all, Rich loved spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy McNett of Lena; children, Tammy (Scott) Riddell of Freeport; Tom (Lindsey) McNett of Fulton, WI; and Justin McNett of Lena, IL; 3 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Joyce (Jack) Becke of Freeport, Janice (John) Bauch of Freeport, IL, Jeanne (Ralph) Stietz of Gratiot, WI, and Joleen (Butch) Thommen of Warren, IL; brothers, Ronald McNett of Freeport and James McNett of Shellsburg, WI; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delvin & Doris; sisters, Jackie Hermann and Jewell McNett; brothers, Roger, Rodney “Pete,” and Jerry; nephew, Chase McAuliffe; and niece, Melissa Grimes.

A celebration of life will be held on December 7, 2024 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Wayside (OLD RICH’S ROADHOUSE) in Freeport, IL. Please come enjoy food, memories, and music in honor of Rich. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.walkermortuary.com.