Richard "Dick" L. Ellingson

Richard “Dick” Lee Ellingson, 74, of Rockford, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2019 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Born January 12, 1945 in Belvidere, IL; the son of Bernice (Grant) and Norman Ellingson. He graduated from North Boone High School in 1963. Dick proudly served his country as an Army Medic in the field during the Vietnam War. He started his career as a police officer in Belvidere, IL where he worked for many years moving up to the rank of detective. His next career move took him to Capron where he took over his father’s hardware store, Capron Hardware. Following that he worked for Dierks Foods as manager of the Service Department. It was during this time period when he met Barbara Dudgeon and they married on June 13, 1998. After Dierks was sold, Dick went to work for Fox River Foods/Performance Foods where he worked until he retired in 2017.
He had a lifelong love of sports and was an avid Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed working outdoors - especially in his yard which was his pride and joy. He loved having parties, playing cards, listening / dancing to Sinatra music, and spending time with his family. Dick was a loving husband, father, step-father, and step-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Barbara; son, David (Georgiana Cireasa) Ellingson; step-sons, Scott (Heidi) Dudgeon and Matthew (Jenny) Dudgeon; five step-grandsons, Wyatt, Merritt, Brodie, Liam and Quinn as well as his sister, Sandy (Dave) Anderson and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Dick’s name. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com