Richard William Wyss, Sr., 84, of Minonk, IL passed away at 2:42 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2008 at his residence.

He was born on December 14, 1923 in Princeville, IL a son of John and Minnie Spahr Wyss. He married Phyllis J. Deady O’Harra on April 9, 1950 in Peoria, IL. She survives.

Other survivors include one son, Richard (Sandi) Wyss of Boerne, TX; one daughter, Susan Smith of Minonk; one daughter-in-law, Dori Wyss of Minonk; one brother, Edward (Marilyn) Wyss of Princeville; one sister, Mardell (Gene) Martin of Bloomington; one sister-in-law, Jeanette (Gerald) Fritz of Kankakee; and seven grandchildren, Michael and Gregory Smith; Brent, Jennifer, D.J., Derek, and Donald "Hunter" Wyss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, David; two brothers, Kenneth and Jack; and one sister, Betty Ann.

Richard served his country in Italy during WW II with the Army Signal Corp. He also served in the Air National Guard for four years.

Richard loved farming. He farmed land in the Donovan, Chebanese, and Minonk-Dana areas. He also loved to work outside in the yard and garden and walk his dog, Herbie.

He was a great fan of the Bradley Braves basketball team and enjoyed spending time with his family during the holidays.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk. There will be a private family graveside service at Swan Lake Memory Gardens where military rites will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.