Richard W. Peden

Richard William Peden was born in Bridgeport, Chicago, IL, on an unseasonably warm, early Spring day, March 25, 1950, to proud parents James Stewart “Bud” and Jean Audrey (Mitchell) Peden. He was the middle of seven children and was preceded in death by both his parents, his brothers Charles “Mick”, James, and Timothy and his sisters Jean (Hippolt) and Patricia (Cooper) Peden. He is survived by his loving wife Susan, daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Harlow Angeline, daughter Jacqueline and son in law Michael (Sebastiani), brother Donald (Cindy), and too many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends to count! Rich worked the family restaurant business, “The Shack” in Bridgeport, until he was called to serve his country in Vietnam. He did so proudly and returned to the US to marry the love of his life, Susan, in the early 1970s. Him and Susan shared a lifetime of loving memories with their two daughters. Rich was very bright and an extremely hard worker. He worked his tail off for his family and spent over 25 years with, and eventually retired from, his successful career selling engines for Cummins NPower, where he made many trusted friendships along the way. Rich loved his Chicago sports teams, and in the following order – Da BEARS, Blackhawks, Cubs, Bulls, and always a South Sider at heart, even the White Sox. He enjoyed the quiet, quality time of fishing on his boat with his brothers, nephews, and friends. He loved to challenge himself with the game of golf, which he especially enjoyed with his son-in-law, Mike. But none of that compared to the joy he felt watching his daughters grow up and succeed, and when he finally became a “Papa” to Harlow and his two furry grandsons, Buddy and Bodhi. Please join the family in celebrating Richard’s life at The Maple Funeral Home, 24300 West Ford Road, Channahon, IL, 60410 on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 4:00 PM until Prayers begin at 6:30 PM. Our evening will conclude at 7:00 PM. Per Richard’s wishes, Cremation Rites have been accorded. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL at 10:15 AM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 for interment and full Military Honors conducted at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, family asks that you please consider memorials in Richard’s name to the Community Foundation of Grundy County, Our Patriots Fund 520 West Illinois Ave., Morris, IL 60450.

Richard W. Peden

March 25, 1950 - December 29, 2025