Obituary of Ricke Stedman

Ricke Lee Stedman, age 64, of Chillicothe, passed away on Thursday, February 14, 2019 at his home. 

Ricke was born on February 10, 1955 in Bloomington, IL to Warren Stedman and Esther (Watters) Thomas.  He met his best friend and love of his life while he was in the hospital for ankle surgery.  She was his nurse and they fell in love.  He married Debora (Swayze) on April 12, 1980 in East Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Debora; his children, Jessica (Adam) Schertz of East Peoria, IL, J.D. (Christy) Stedman of Edelstein, IL and Lindsay (Robert) Waight of Omaha, NE; and his grandchildren, Kylin and Taryn Schertz, Johnny and JoJo Stedman, and Gabby, C.J. and Jeremiah Waight.  Also surviving are his father, Warren; his brother, Jeffrey (Amy) Stedman of Deer Creek, IL; and his sister, Lori Stedman of Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his mother.

Ricke was a tool and dye maker for Caterpillar and ATS for 36 years before retiring and he was a member of the Chillicothe Casting Club.  Ricke enjoyed fishing and camping and he loved Harley’s.  Most of all, Ricke loved spending time with his family.  He loved being a Papa and playing with his grandkids.  He was a calming comfort when they were sick, tired or just needing some love.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the Chillicothe Casting Club from 2pm to 5pm.  Memorials may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois NCCU in Peoria.  Arrangements were handled through Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe.