Richard "Rich" E. Strater, 89, of Rantoul passed away Friday evening (April 4, 2025) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

He was born Aug. 24, 1935, in Ivesdale, one of 13 children born of Calvin and Mary (Kieterling) Strater. He married Delores "Toots" Cargo on June 24, 1961, at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Rantoul. She survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Connie Ludwig of Rantoul; a son, Jimmy (Michelle) Strater of Rantoul; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Strater of Aurora; a brother, John Strater of Monticello; a sister, Becky Wildman of Bement; eight grandchildren, Andrea, Kim, David, ZiZi, Landry, Max, Jake and Matthew; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by 10 siblings; a grandson, Calvin; a son-in-law, Tim; and a son, Michael.

Rich graduated from Bement High School. He then joined the U.S. Navy, met the love of his life and then began his career at Kraft Foods, retiring after 30 years. He then worked for Champaign County at the Brookens Center for an additional 10 years. Never wanting to quit, he worked odd jobs until he was 82 years old!

He was a member of St. Malachy church. He was very involved in his grandchildren's lives, never missing a ballgame or seeing his granddaughter cheer. He was a member of the Rantoul VFW and AmVets. A big sports fan, he coached his children from the bench, from the stands and sometimes from outside if the ref wasn't very understanding.

 Published by The News-Gazette from Apr. 7 to Apr. 8, 2025.