Richard John, Sr.

Richard John, Sr., passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island, Rock Island, IL, at the age of 90.

The family will hold a private graveside service.  A celebration of life will be held at TPC Deere Run from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017, where everyone is welcome to join.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to be made to the American Heart Association.  Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Richard “Dick” John, Sr. was born on September 28, 1926, in Galesburg, IL, to Conrad and Ruth John.  After a short time, Richard’s family moved to East Moline where he was raised in the Stone House on Friendship Farm which is now the headquarters of the John Deere Classic.  In 1945, after being discharged from the United States Navy, Richard married the first love of his life, Arlene.  The two of them were married for over fifty years before Arlene passed away from a heart condition in 1997.  The couple had three sons, Larry, Tim, and Rick.   Later in life, Richard was lucky to find love again and married Marian Boultinghouse.  Marian had 3 adult children, Sharon, Ron, and Dan.  Richard was a union bricklayer where he went on to become Secretary of the Building Trades Council.  He was heavily involved with many organizations.  Richard was the Co-Founder of the Sedona Group, Secretary/Treasurer of the Bricklayers Union Local 7, Quad City Airport Commissioner, Moline Police and Fire Commissioner, United Way Loaned Executive, author of the Impact Agreement, CREDA Board Member, and Rock Island County Jail Commissioner.  In addition, Richard was a member of the Gospel Temple and was a longtime member of the board and choir.  Later in life, he became part of Homewood Evangelical Free Church.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Conrad; mother, Ruth; sisters, Louise and Betty; wives, Arlene and Marian; and grandson, Kyle.  Richard is survived by his sons, Larry (Patti), Tim (Sally), and Rick (Cheryl); seven grandchildren, Justin, Christopher, Nathan, Matthew, Elizabeth, Emilee, and Brendan; and 13 great grandchildren.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.