William W. Riddell Jr.

William W. Riddell Jr., Age 91, 2334 North Lynn Ave, Freeport, IL A former Freeport businessman, died Monday, April 28, 2014 at St. Joseph Provena Riddell was born and raised in rural Missouri, graduated high school at Rothville, Mo. 1940, and obtained is BS degree from the University of Kansas in 1949 He moved to Freeport to join Burgess Battery in 1949 and served in a various sales and marketing positions for twenty-six years. In 1975 Riddell joined W.E Kautenberg Co. a subsidiary of Furst McNess Co. He retired as president of Kautenberg in 1984. Over the years Riddell participated actively in community services, among which were the City Planning Committee, the United Way, the YMCA and the Freeport Mosquito Abatement District. Riddell served four years in the U.S Army. Entering as a private in 1942, he rose to the ranks of Captain in command of a tank company in Europe. While is this capacity he was awarded three Silver Stars and two Purple Hearts. He was a lifetime member of the 12th Armored Division Association. Bill flew to Washington DC on the Honor Fight out of the Quad Cities in 2012. His son-n-law Dale Keppy was his guardian. Bill loved to play golf with his wife and friends. He stopped playing golf at the age of 87. Bill loved to travel and to read books. He was a frequent visitor to the library. He was dedicated to staying active and enjoyed his workouts at the YMCA. Bill was a loving husband, father, father-n-law and a great communicator. Bill's laughter instilled spirit and his wonderful soul will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Patricia R. (Taylor) whom he married in 1946. His son, Patrick S. Riddell of Tomah, WI, His daughter Mrs. Tamia (Dale) Keppy of Coal Valley, IL. His son and daughter-n-law Scott and Tammy (McNett) Riddell of Freeport, IL. Six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and three great, great grandchildren. He was proceed in death by his parents and by his sister, Virginia (Donald) Bray. There will be no funeral nor visitation. His ashes will be interned at the military cemetery in Rock Island, Arsenal, Rock Island, IL. A memorial has been established for the benefit of the Freeport Friends Forever Humane Society. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook and share a memory.