Richard 'Dick' E. Walters, 73, Woodstock

Richard “Dick” E. Walters, 73, Woodstock, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Sept. 20, 1942, to Ervin and Lucille (Voigt) Walters in Woodstock.

He graduated from Alden-Hebron High School along with his high school sweetheart, Donna Gile. On July 8, 1961, they were married. 

He farmed all of his life. His love and passion for the landand what it could produce were recognized when he was named the State of Illinois Outstanding Young Farmer and received the National Young Farmer award. 

He served on the Woodstock District 200 School board and was president for eight years. He was extremely involved with and committed to supporting the farming community. He served on the boards of Illinois Future Farmers of America, McHenry County Farm Bureau, Conserve FS and Growmark Inc. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Janet (Steven) Rouse, Sandra (Jeffory) Harris and Nancy (William) Beaman; nine grandchildren, Jonathan and Jenna Rouse, Grant Jackson, Ryan, Benjamin and Evan Harris and Richard, Cathryn and Aric Beaman; a sister, Judith (Thomas) Atkinson; a brother, Daniel Walters; and many cherished nephews, nieces, brothers- and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth; a granddaughter, Jamie; and his parents.

The funeral was July 11 at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. Burial will be at McHenry County Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to Gavers Community Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1724, Woodstock, IL 60098 or to Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098. 

Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.