ROCHELLE — Richard “Dick” Devore of Rochelle, passed away on March 15, 2020, at the age of 75. Dick would go by many names throughout his life including Dad, Poppy, Mr. D, and Preach. 

Richard was born on Oct. 14, 1944, to Clarke and Mildred (McRae) Devore in Bayard, Nebraska. He graduated from high school in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He went on to attend Minnesota Bible College before graduating Summa Cum Laude from Nebraska Christian College in 1977. However, it was at Minnesota that he met a fiery redhead named Susan Gard. Richard and Susan were married on Aug. 14, 1965, in Fertile, Iowa.

Dick was a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed working many different places throughout his life. He was a gifted swimmer and worked as a lifeguard in his youth. He was the manager at Midland Co-op and Hardware in Rushford, Minnesota. Dick and Sue served as house parents at Midwest Christian Children’s Home in Peterson, Iowa. 

Many people came to know Mr. D as he began his bus driving career in Van Buren County Iowa; he would later become the Director of Transportation for Rochelle Schools until he retired in 2015. Dick’s true calling and life’s dedication however, was ministry. He served as an ordained minister in Modale, Stockport, and Oelwein, Iowa, and in Rochelle. Dick attended Tres Dias weekend No. 2 and continued to serve through this for the remainder of his life. Dick was also an active member of Central Christian Church in Rockford.

Dad had many hobbies. He enjoyed traveling, whether that was to get a cup of coffee or driving across country pulling his trailer. He was the family chauffeur and spent his time reading while waiting during pick up. He loved to camp, especially at King’s Campground where he and Sue enjoyed spending time with his dogs. He was a skilled artisan and spent years crafting with Sue. Mr. D enjoyed canoeing and cherished his trips to the Boundary Waters with both Clarke and with Sarah. 

Preach’s deepest joy came from his hope that has been gifted to him by God through Jesus Christ. He gave his family a legacy of faith and salvation through his love and leadership; there was nothing he would not do for a single one of them. While they are mourning, they also celebrate a life well lived here on earth, and a life that will continue on in full completion in Heaven. 

Poppy is survived by his beloved and adored wife, Susan (Gard) Devore of Rochelle; his children, Julie (Devore) and David Nesbit of Rockford, Ellen (Devore) and Jayson Ferguson of St Mary’s, Georgia, and Sarah (Devore) Owen of Rochelle; his grandchildren, Graeme Nesbit, Brooklyn (Robert) Graham, Alex (Chelsie) Ferguson, Jaycob (Kimberly) Ferguson, Lily and Ayame Owen; and great-grandchildren Eliya, Judah, and Cyrus Graham, and Charlotte Ferguson. He also leaves behind his sisters, Joan (Devore) Fort of Rockford, and Phyllis (Devore) Leathers of Gray, Tennessee, and many precious nieces and nephews. 

Richard was proceeded in death by his parents, his son, Clarke Richard Devore, and his brother, Paul Devore. 

A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, and due to Dick’s unexpected passing, gifts to assist with related expenses are very much appreciated.