Glenn Riddell

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Glenn Riddell, Jr.
Date Of Birth:01/15/1923
Date Of Death:04/19/2012
Service Date:Funeral service at 11:00 am on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Eureka Christian Church. Visitation on Thursday evening from 4-7 pm at the church and one hour before services on Friday at the church.

Glenn Riddell

Eureka-

Reverend Glenn E. Riddell Jr, 89, of Eureka, IL, passed away at 7:40 pm on Thursday April 19, 2012 at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka where he was a resident.

He was born on January 15, 1923 in Memphis, TN to Glenn E. and Neva Mitchum Riddell Sr. He married Margaret D. Lowe on December 28, 1947 in Washington D.C. She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Rebecca (Jeff) Steenrod of Peoria; Rachel (Tom) Blakeman of Pontiac; Robin Joy (Bob) Rose of Havre De Grace, MD; two sons, Glenn L.D. Riddell (John Capizzi) Sausalito, CA; Kent E. Riddell of Lakemoor, IL; one sister, Joyce Cook of Fredericks, MD; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Grace Ford; and two brother-in-laws, Rev. Gerald Ford and Rev. Robert Cook.

Glenn was a retired minister carrying on a long family tradition. His grandfather was a beloved minister of the Christian Church and his parents were devoted members. Glenn's two sisters both married Christian Church ministers also.

Glenn graduated from the American University in 1944 and entered graduate school at Yale University. He received his Masters Divinity degree in 1947 and after his ordination at National City Christian Church in Washington, D.C. began his ministry in Tucson, AZ. This started a career in the ministry that took him to Tempe, AZ; Chico, CA; Des Moines, IA; and Eureka, IL.

He served as chaplain and religious studies instructor at Eureka College for 17 years, retiring in 1988. After retirement Glenn had served as interim minister in Oakwood, IL; West Lafayette, IN; Boomington, IL; Peoria, IL; Canton, IL; and Carlock, IL.

Besides serving his congregation, Glenn was also active in the communities in which he lived. He was a member and past president of the Lion's Club in Chico, CA; and also a member and past president of the Eureka Rotary where he was awarded the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow award. He also was involved with the inception of the College of Professional Christian Ministers in Illinois and Wisconsin and had served as their president, treasurer and area Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday April 27, 2012 at the Eureka Christian Church. The Rev. Jennie Churchman and Rev. Scott Woolridge will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Thursday at the Eureka Christian Church and from 10-11 am on Friday also at the church before the service. Private burial will be in Olio Township Cemetery. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eureka Christian Church or to the College of Professional Christian Ministers. Online condolences may be sent to the family at ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
  • From: Alice Mooberry
    Location:Congerville, IL

    My sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I have fond memories of Reverend Riddell, growing up in the Christian Church, CYF and choir. God Bless...

  • From: Pam Baldwin
    Location:Eureka

    Riddell Family.....My deepest sympathy for your great loss. My prayers are with you all.

  • From: JoEtta Hinrichsen

    My sympathies to your family at the loss of your husband and father. You will be in my prayers.

  • From: Jjohn Byrne
    Location:Roanoke

    My sympathy to the family of Glenn Riddell. We enjoyed some time together in the Peoria Senior Citizen Band. John W. Byrne

  • From: Lori Loree
    Location:East Peoria, IL

    Becky and Jeff I am so sorry for your loss of your father. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My deepest sympathies.

  • From: Rick Robinson
    Location:Eureka IL

    We always miss the ones we love, even though we know they are in their fullness of blessing with the Lord. There is nothing wrong with mourning and grieving for our loved ones who proceed us in death. Although the Lord helps us through our time of sorrow, we don't have to like it. The Bible doesn't say we are not to mourn, it just says that we are not to mourn the way people do who have no hope (1Th 4:13). Mourn with all your might, because we do have hope – we know that we are going to see our loved ones again. Praise Jesus for Eternal Life! Be encouraged by the unchangeable word of God as you remember the good times. I trust that the Lord will strengthen you and your family in the days ahead.

  • From: Rick Robinson
    Location:Eureka IL

    We always miss the ones we love, even though we know they are in their fullness of blessing with the Lord. There is nothing wrong with mourning and grieving for our loved ones who proceed us in death. Although the Lord helps us through our time of sorrow, we don't have to like it. The Bible doesn't say we are not to mourn, it just says that we are not to mourn the way people do who have no hope (1Th 4:13). Mourn with all your might, because we do have hope – we know that we are going to see our loved ones again. Praise Jesus for Eternal Life! Be encouraged by the unchangeable word of God as you remember the good times. I trust that the Lord will strengthen you and your family in the days ahead.

  • From: Rose Hart-Masters
    Location:East Peoria, IL

    Robin & Family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad as a very kind, gentle man. I have fond memories of many days spent at your house making pizza, sunbathing & listening to records. Your parents were always very nice to me. Love & Prayers.

  • From: Sally Anderson
    Location:Eureka, Illinois

    Dear Riddell Family, Your father and husband was a kind, loving, and generous person who loved to laugh. I am sure that you will all miss his gentle ways. His sweet spirit will be missed. Love to you all. sally and bill anderson

  • From: William & Laura Robison
    Location:Springfield, MO

    Of all the people that come and go in our lives, there are certain ones that make a lasting impact and give us definition, direction, purpose and meaning. Glenn Riddell was that sort of person for both myself and my wife during our days at Eureka College. I could not put into words how much I owe to Glenn for whom I am today. He was a mentor, a guide, a colleague,and friend. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I give thanks to God that I was able to know him. To his family I say, "I greive with thee." -- Rev. William Robison Eureka College Class of 1983.

  • From: Kanaka and Tilaka Kumara
    Location:Eureka, IL

    Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are thinking of your family during this difficult time.

  • From: Ann Ragan
    Location:Havre de Grace, Maryland

    Robin and Bob Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Ann and Danny Ragan

  • From: Clifford & Pryscilla Stam
    Location:Watseka, IL

    He will be missed. I can't imagine anyone better to have given us our first lessons in what marriage is about and means. He made us promise to talk with him before ever considering divorce and that comment alone kept me focused many many many times on what was more important than how I was feeling. What a great service this man has been to God and Country and Family and he was and is and will always be loved.

  • From: Elaine (McCullough) Bush
    Location:Centralia, IL

    Fond memories over the years beginning with Des Moines and then in Illinois after my move here. A great minister and shared with so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family. Remember those good times with him. Will share with Dale and Betty Miller now in Raymore, MO.

  • From: Sheila Kirk (Knisley) '74
    Location:Sterling, VA

    I just learned of Glenn's passing. He always had a special place in my heart. While at Eureka, Glenn was my instructor and friend. He was the faculty advisor for the all-student variety show Teckie Metzel and I organized. His support was a key element for the success of the show. I will always remember Glenn's big smile and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Sheila Knisley ('74) Kirk

  • From: Kevin McQuade
    Location:Pella, Iowa

    Dear Riddell Family: Linda (EC class of '80) and I (EC class of '78) just learned of Glenn's passing. Our sincere apologies for the long overdue note of condolences. We will never forget Glenn's passion for life and teaching, and we are incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with him. All our love, Kevin and Linda McQuade