Merle L. Riley

Merle Riley, 96, of Geneseo, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Woodridge Assisted Living in Geneseo, IL. A Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel from 4 P.M. – 6 P.M. Inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hillcrest Home or Woodridge.

Merle was born on April 30, 1930, the son of Clarence and Lorraine (Warren) Riley in Liverpool, IL. He graduated from Canton High School in 1948. Merle married Betty DeGroot on December 26, 1948 in Canton, IL. Merle spent many years as a truck driver for Standard Forwarding. He was a master Mason in Lewiston, IL, a member of the Moose Lodge, and Ideal Fishing Club in Dallas City, IL. Merle enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing cards in his free time.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Thelma (Alan) Wulf, Davenport, IA, and Pat (Bob) Drescher, Geneseo, daughter-in-law, Pam Riley, Geneseo, sister, Geneva (Bill) Smith, Maples Mill, IL; sister-in-law Lillian DeGroot, Jacksonville, IL, Donna DeGroot, Farmington, IL, and Helen Riley, Pekin, IL; 7 grandchildren; Stacy Pontillas,  Brian (Lisa) Wulf, Gregory (Elicia) Wulf,  Heather (Rob) Henry, Brook (Marc) Dalmasso, Trevis (Kerry) Riley and Tasha Meza,  13 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lorraine; wife, Betty; son, David Riley; and brother, Roger Riley.