Richard Leon “Sleep” Pethtel, 81, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024 at his home in Rockport. He was born October 6, 1943 to Beulah I. Richards and Carl B. Pethtel in Robinson, Illinois. Richard was devoted to his family and cherished his time as dad, grandpa, Papaw, brother, and uncle.
Richard always loved helping others. He enjoyed remodeling projects, a craft he learned from his dad at age 12. He was an avid hobby mechanic and liked working on stock cars.
Richard attended Robinson High School and spent his younger years working at a filling station. His career with Briggs Manufacturing in Robinson and Abingdon, IL spanned 35 years. Richard also worked for Peerless Pottery in Rockport from 2001-2004, where he met his companion of 21 years, Susie Roberts. After the pottery shut down, he worked briefly at Hunter Douglas in Owensboro, KY, and then spent the following decade taking excellent care of the City Park in Rockport.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Joe Rhodarmer.
He is survived by his companion, Susie Roberts; children, Eric (Lisa) Pethtel, Michele Rhodarmer, and Susan Pritchard (Mike); brother Roger (Debbie) Pethtel; sisters, Donna (Terry) White and Karen (Philip) Moore; bonus daughters, Michelle (Rich) Pitcock, and Andrea Hicks; grandchildren, Payton Pethtel, Lauren (Wes) Anderson, Kyle (Hailey) Pethtel, Cameron Collins, Tyler (Lauren) Pethtel, Trent (Megan) Pethtel, Avery Pritchard, Zane Niebrugge, Jackson Hicks, Mark and Mya Olson, and Jake – the grand-kitty; great-grandkids Owen Anderson, Kolton Pethtel, Colter Locher, Bryson Pethtel, Titus Pethtel, and Margot, who’s expected to arrive any day; nephews, Ryan and Andrew Pethtel, Brad White, and John Miller; nieces, Carrie Wampler and Julie Miller.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 5, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, IL. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association. Donate online via https://wallofremembrance.funraise.org/fundraiser/richard-pethtel.
