Richard L. King

Richard L. King, 97, of Atkinson, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson.  Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery, Geneseo.  A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 9:30 a.m., with a visitation following from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel.  Memorials may be directed to the Millie Moo Foundation, PO Box 156, Hillsdale, IL, 61257.  Online condolences may be left for Richard at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Born March 30, 1928, in Andover, Illinois, he was the son of Leonard and Madeline (Seys) King. He graduated from Geneseo High School.  He married Peggy Hawkins on June 9, 1951.  She preceded him in death on December 25, 2020.

Richard served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Quartermaster 2nd Class, specializing in navigation and signaling.  He farmed his entire life, raising hogs, and also worked as a rural mail carrier. He enjoyed golfing with friends and was a member of the American Legion, International Order of Foresters, and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

Richard is remembered for his lifelong dedication to farming, his military service, and his quiet, steady presence in the community.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter Jodi (Clayton) Casteel of Cambridge; grandchildren, Bethany Alexander, Katie (John) Johnston, Amanda (Brandon) Beam, Blake (Michaela) Opsal, Brittany (Jarrod) Casteel, Danita Opsal, and Jacob (Deanna) King; great-grandchildren, Caylee, Colton, Evelyn, Cara, Briar, Opie, Copper, and Magnolia; son-in-law, Kurt Liedtke of East Moline; and daughter-in-law, Luan King of Atkinson.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Madeline King; his loving wife, Peggy King; daughter, Kelly Liedtke; son, Patrick King; brother, James King; and sister-in-law, Lois King.