Richard C. Plager

Pearl City, IL—Richard Clark Plager, age 84, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 29, 1940, to Clark and Alice (Brandt) Plager.

Richard attended Lamm Grade School and graduated from Pearl City High School in 1958. He briefly studied at Iowa State College, but the familiar scent of freshly turned soil and the call of farm life soon drew him back to the family farm, where he continued the family tradition of milking cows.

On August 20, 1961, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Baysinger. Together, they shared 63 wonderful years, raising three cherished children: Carla (Lance) Grisham of Lanark, Mike (Kim) Plager of Pearl City, and Jodi (Jeff) Switzer of Bloomington, IL.

As a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard found immense joy in attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school programs and sporting events. He delighted in spontaneous tea parties, giving rides on the old John Deere Gator, and hosting family dinners. Richard’s unwavering faith, dedication to family, and commitment as a Centennial Farm farmer defined his life. Known for his playful spirit and kind nature, his beloved smirk will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Nancy and their children.

A lifelong member of Lena Free Evangelical Church, Richard enjoyed a vibrant faith and loved sharing the teachings of God with others. His family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the friends, hospice workers, and caregivers whose compassion and support allowed Richard to remain in the comfort of his home, where he spent his final days gazing at the beautiful countryside from the sunroom.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; their three children; eight grandchildren—Ryne (Callie) Plager, Calley (Sam) Lemm, Kristin (Aaron) Dinderman, Justin (Ashley) Grisham, Abbey (Forrest) Niebuhr, Kendall (Nick) Dobrinich, Miranda (Ty) Harmston, and Alex (Erica) Switzer; and thirteen great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 years to just 3 weeks old.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Lowell Bicker; and sister-in-law Mary Diane Baysinger.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Lena Free Evangelical Church. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10 AM, followed by a luncheon. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Freeport, IL.

In our hearts, we know Richard is at home in Heaven, but he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.