Leo D Ridenour

Leo Dee Ridenour, of Mt. Morris, IL died October 5, 2016 at Pinecrest Terrace at 95. He was born April 6, 1921 at home in Leaf River, IL, the son of John "Howard" Ridenour and Hanna (Cain) Ridenour. Leo lived in Leaf River five years until moving to Rockford where he attended 1st and 2nd grade. He moved to Mt. Morris in 1931 where he completed his education. While there he was President of FFA his senior year. He delivered newspapers during high school for spending money. He was a Veteran of WWII serving 8 months as a Ward Master in the Medical Corp. in the states for the U. S. Army and eventually received a Medical Discharge due to asthma in 1943. He married Marilyn E. Reber on July 20, 1946 in Mt. Morris and they moved to the Plainview Farm, one mile south of Leaf River. To this marriage were born three children, Steven, Jerre and Melody. Leo farmed and worked at the former Kable Printing Co. were he was President of the Book Binders Local 65 in Mt. Morris until the plant went on strike in 1974. He worked various jobs after that until he began farming full time raising pigs, cattle, Shetland ponies and various fowl. He was a member of the American Legion Post 143 and Samuel H. Davis Lodge No. 96. He was a 50 year member of the Mason's and a member of the Disciples United Methodist Church. He served on the Let Freedom Ring Committee in Mt. Morris for 10 years. He was friends of the late Governor and Mrs. Otto Kerner and was responsible for bringing the Governor and Senator Paul Douglas to Mt. Morris as main speakers to the Fourth of July celebration. In 1967 he moved back to Mt Morris where he spent the majority of his remaining life. Leo enjoyed traveling, roller skating, dancing, walking and history. He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and his son. He is survived by two daughters, Jerre L. (Charles) Duffy of Mt. Morris and Melody J. (Gary) Henderson of Oregon, IL; six grandchildren, Cheryl (Joe) Jicha of New Berlin, WI, Lauren (Jon) Silvers, of Fargo, ND, Tim (Rhonda) Duffy of Stillman Valley, IL, Dr. Todd (Dr. Alicia) Duffy of Sugar Grove, IL, Corey (Jamie) Buck of Mt. Morris, IL, and Mindy (Tom) Becker of Fillmore, UT; and many great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Finch Funeral Home in Mt. Morris from 9:30 to 11:00 Saturday, October 8th. A private graveside service will follow at Plainview Cemetery in Mt. Morris. Memorials can be given in Leo's name to Pinecrest Manor in Mt. Morris.