OREGON – Richard “Rich” Wayne Herring, 74, of Oregon, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He was born Sep. 4, 1946 in Lena, the son of Harry and Theresa (Veer) Herring. Rich served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. He married Gloria Ann Denk on July 7, 2001 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rochelle.
Rich was a farmer his whole life. He graduated Stillman Valley High School. He also worked for Swenson Spreader for 39 years. He enjoyed hunting, auctions, and his collection of hit and miss gas engines. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Rich is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Oregon; three children Peggy (Jim) Williams of Manhattan, Ill., Lon (Jennifer) Herring of Decatur, and Jamie (Amber) Herring of Kings; nine grandchildren, Robert, Vivian, Aaron, Ryan, Nina, Carter, Cora, Anna, and Julia; four step-children, Paula Boyce of Machesney Park, James (Theresa) Denk of LaCrosse, Wis., Michael (Katie) Denk of Rockford, and Tim (Kelly) Denk of Rockford; six step-grandchildren, Jacob, Jessica, Jordan, Hannah, Silvia, and Fiona; two step-great-grandchildren, Kayden and Kaleb; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Rich is preceded in death by a brother, Robert Herring; three sisters, Donna Vrana, Dolores Reineck, and Diane Lathom, and step son-in-law, John Boyce.
Funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2021 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle with Father Joseph Naill officiating. Visitation was on Monday from 9-10:15 a.m. prior to the funeral. Private family burial will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Paynes Point with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard. Contributions in Rich’s memory may be directed to the Stillman Valley FFA. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
