Dick Greensides, 92

Richard “Dick” Arol Greensides, age 92, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away at home after a short illness on Saturday, July 13, 2024.  He was born April 6, 1932, in Three Rivers the only child of Arol and Beulah (Myer) Greensides.  Dick married Madelyn I. Huff on August 21, 1955 in Constantine.  They enjoyed nearly 65 wonderful years together.  Dick spoke of the decades of their travels and cruises as some of the best times of their life together.  He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry, then moved to Illinois to start work at Home Lumber & Supply Company.  He retired from Rock River Distributors in Rockford to focus on his hobby-turned-business, Pecatonica River Long Rifle Supply, taking pride in the long rifle gun stocks they carved out of beautiful types of wood, then shipped throughout the country and the world. He enjoyed many years running his business, making lifelong friends along the way.  His final retirement wasn’t until September 2023.  Dick was a charter member since 1974 of the Rock Run Long Rifle Club which sponsored monthly gatherings and competitions using only the old-style muzzle loading rifles.  Veteran of the Korean Conflict serving the U.S. Army.  Member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.  He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed baseball and was a lifetime New York Yankees fan.  He loved spending time with his family, and especially the many family gatherings with all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Dick had enviable personality traits and values which endeared him to so many people he met.  He was kind, truthful, fair, and never spoke badly of anyone.  It’s been said by many that he was the most respected man they know.  Survivors include his children, Linda (Lewis) Schemel, Douglas (JoAnn) Greensides, Sharon (Gregory) Yates, Steven (Mary) Greensides and Mary (Michael Holm) Freeman, 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by parents, his wife Madelyn, son Michael Greensides and grandson Michael Freeman.

The service will be at 5:30 pm Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with a visitation from 4:30 until service time.  A visitation will be held from 11:00 am to noon, Monday, July 22, 2024 at Eley Funeral Home, 280 South Washington Street, Constantine, followed by a short service at Constantine Township Cemetery, where Dick will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife and son.