Richard E. “Dick” Bedecker, 78, of Streator passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at his residence in Streator.

  Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 1st at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

  Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday, January 31st at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.  Additional visitation will be from 10:00 A.M until the time of the services Saturday morning. 

  Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Streator.  Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Cooper, Spencer and Talon Melvin; Justin and Brandon Durdan; Christian Bedecker and Chandler Bedecker .  Honorary pallbearers will be his sons, Mark and Jerry Bedecker; son in laws, Doug Melvin and Chuck Durdan, granddaughters, Abby Bedecker and Elly Bedecker; and good friends, Mike Katcher and Art Johnson.  Full military honors will be accorded by members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.

  Born May 2, 1946 in Joliet he was the son of Edwin and Margaret (Bermes) Bedecker.  He married Donna McCullough on November 1, 1969.

  He is survived by his wife, Donna Bedecker of Streator; daughters, Sandy (Doug) Melvin and Beth (Chuck) Durdan; sons, Mark Bedecker and Jerry Bedecker all of Streator; grandchildren, Cooper, Spencer and Talon Melvin; Justin and Brandon Durdan; Christian Bedecker; Chandler Bedecker, Abby Bedecker and Elly Bedecker; a sister, Ruth (Roger) Wilhelm of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; lifelong friends, Wayne and Anne Johnson; and his beloved dog, Lady.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and his longtime companion dog, Buddy.

  Dick attended Woodland School and graduated in the class of 1965.  He lived his lifetime in Streator.

  Following high school Dick served in the United States Army spending time in Germany.

  He farmed in the south Streator area for many years.  He also worked at Strine Farm Management and sold snowmobiles through the years.

  Dick was an avid sports fan and loved the Cubs, Bulls, Bears and the Fighting Illini. He coached and played men’s softball for many years.  He was active coaching his kids in basketball and baseball and volunteering for Streator Youth Baseball.  He also coached basketball for many years at St. Anthony School and compiled many wins including three consecutive Diocesan titles.  He enjoyed go cart racing and built his own track for races.

  Dick was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  In more recent years he especially enjoyed following his grandchildren in their sporting activities and spending time with them.  He will be dearly missed by his loving family.

  Memorials may be directed to the St. Michael the Archangel School Athletic Association. 

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com