Richard H. Spinhirne, 79 of Lena, passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

He was born on February 25, 1946 in Freeport, IL, the son of Howard and Beulah (Brinkmeier) Spinhirne.  Richard married Karen Esmond on July 27, 1968, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena.  He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1969 with a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture.  His academic excellence was recognized with the prestigious Bronze Tablet award, which honors the top 3% of the graduating class. The Bronze Tablet with his name proudly hangs in the main library at the U of I.

Richard served his community by advising on several boards as a trustee including Adkins Energy LLC for 6 years, West Point Township board for 20 years, and as a Lena Fire Department trustee for many years.  His hobbies included restoring International tractors, snowmobiling, model trains, western shows, classic cars, but most of all attending his grandchildren's events. He had special pride in owning his very own 1964 GTO.  Richard was a lifelong farmer until he retired in 2022.  After retirement he found happiness taking car rides and enjoying the company of his friends and family.

He is survived by his wife Karen; son Greg (Dawn) Spinhirne of Lena; daughters Anita (Kip) Streckwald of Lena and Susan (Brian) Rupp of Marion, IA; grandchildren- Jordan and Drew Streckwald, John Spinhirne, and Morgan and Ethan Rupp; sisters Kay Hagie of Rockford, IL and Sharon (Kenny) Koch of Lena; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws John and Evelyn Esmond, sister-in-law Melodie Scheider, and brothers Robert and Douglas Spinhirne.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. till noon on Monday October 13, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena.

Funeral Service to follow begins at 12:00p.m. at the church.

Officiating will be Rev. Jason Shaw.

Interment will take place at the Lena Burial Park.

Luncheon to follow at St. John's Lutheran Church.