Richard C. VanDeVoorde, 73, of Rock Island, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at home surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 30 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island, where he was a member. Visitation is 4:00-7:00pm, Monday, December 29th at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island, where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church or the Alleman High School Booster Club.

Richard was born on October 18, 1941 in Geneseo, Ill. to Leslie and Vera DeWispelaere VanDeVoorde. He graduated from Geneseo High School and Moline Community College. He earned a B.A. degree in Business Administration from St. Ambrose College while playing varsity basketball. He met his wife Christine Ferris while at St. Ambrose. They were married on May 21, 1966. He was employed at Modern Woodmen of America for 35 years, retiring in 2001.

Rich was a talented craftsman and an avid enthusiast of all sports with a particular fondness for the Alleman Pioneers and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. His sense of humor and magnetic personality made him a friend to all who came in contact with him. Rich was a dedicated, loving and caring husband, father, Papi and friend who always put his family first. He has truly been our greatest gift and is loved beyond all measure.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Chris, and his children and (spouses), Julie (Brad) Flaig, Coconut Creek, FL, Jill (John) Reynolds, Moline, IL, Jon (Kristina) VanDeVoorde, Dallas, TX; Grandchildren, Kelan Flaig, Ava, Audrey and Iris Reynolds, Oscar and Harris VanDeVoorde and brother, Robert (Betty) VanDeVoorde, Rock Island.

The family extends a special thank you to the wonderful staff of the Genesis West Oncology Unit, Dr. S. Chitneni and the staff at the Hematology Oncology Associates of the Quad Cities and Genesis Hospice for their kindness and extraordinary care. You have a special place in our heart.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com.