After a lengthy period of illness, Richard M. Riner (Dick) of Greeley, CO passed away on December 31, 2025. He is survived by his wife Peggy, daughter Nicole, son-in-law Jason, brothers Steve and Terry, and legions of former students and friends whose lives he touched for the better.

Born December 30, 1943, in Galesburg, IL, Dick grew up in Galva and Rushville. He was the first in his family to complete college, graduating from Western Illinois University with a K-12 education degree in 1964. He taught for Midlothian (IL) School District 143 until 2000. During those years he taught junior high science and then fourth grade. Upon retirement, he became heavily involved in the local environmental volunteer community, serving as a board member for the local Audubon chapter and developing and overseeing a new forest district plot of land, Bartel Grassland. As a teacher and, later, as a steward of the land, Dick was earnestly and very genuinely committed to his work and to making positive contributions to others’ lives.

Dick was a devoted father who taught his daughter to value hard work and find joy in challenges and in helping others. He was married to Peggy for fifty-four years, which any married person can tell you is a feat in itself. He loved jokes and avoided negative emotions whenever possible. He was outgoing and loved making and keeping friends everywhere he went. He was supportive, kind, and infinitely curious about the world. When Peggy retired in 2017, they moved to Greeley to live closer to Nicole and he quickly set about making friends and enjoying the landscape as a hobby photographer.

It was Dick’s wish to be cremated with no service. Donations may be made in Dick’s name to Bartel Grassland through Forest Preserves of Cook County at https://forestpreservefoundation.org/give/.