MENDOTA - Loren K. Rich, 77, of Mendota passed away Aug. 31, 2020 at OSF St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota. Burial will be at the Troy Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Per COVID-19 recommendations, masks are required and social distancing is encouraged.

Loren was born July 23, 1943 in Mendota to Donald and Lela (Mann) Rich. He married Suzanne Rhea on July 7, 1963.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; four children, Janette Smith of Peru, Martha (Chris) Dalton of Stuart, Fla., Allan (Beth) Rich of Mendota and Lorene (Raul) Diaz of Mendota; four grandchildren; two grand-dogs; nine great-grandchildren; three brothers, Donald (Margo) Rich of Chatham, Gary (Cathy) Rich of Lena and Delbert (Michelle) Rich of Dimmick; one sister, Nancy (Roger) Daniels of Osakis, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his in laws, Richard and Herberta (Champlin) Rhea.

Loren graduated from Mendota High School in 1961. He worked as a machinist for Conco Tellus/Heico Interlake and Black Brothers in Mendota before retiring. However, his life passion was farming with his parents and taking over the family farm. He was saddened when he was no longer able to get on the tractors and his dream was to some day farm again. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially all of the grandkids and looked forward to winter trips to Florida to visit his grand-dogs. He enjoyed spending time outside watching the birds and squirrels. The newest passion was being a part of the Amputee Resource Network in Rockford. This group was a great support for both Loren and Suzanne and they looked forward to every monthly meeting as well as the summer picnics and Christmas parties.

Memorials may be directed to Amputee Resource Network, c/o Virginia Calson, 6613 Buckhorn, Loves Park, IL 61111.