Richard "Riz" Chouinard

Richard "Riz" Chouinard

Age 94 of Morris, passed away Tuesday morning, July 19, 2016 at his home.

Born February 11, 1922 in Goodland, Indiana, Richard Paul was a son of the late Louis and Philomina “Minnie” (Mailloux) Chouinard. He was raised and educated in Kankakee and went on to honorably serve in the United States Army Air Corps during both WWII and the Korean Conflict.  On January 19, 1944, Riz married Darlene Lockwood in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kankakee, and together they moved to Morris in 1954.  Riz’s experience with the grocery business began at the age of 16, when he worked with his brothers in Kankakee, and later expanded to owning and operating Riz's Grocery Store in Morris for 30 years (1954-1984). After retirement Riz then went to work for Gene Funk at Morris Liquors for another 15 years.

Riz was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, the John Martin Steele VFW Post 6049 in Morris, the Morris American Legion Post 294, The Knights of Columbus, Morris Moose Lodge 967, Morris Fraternal Order of Eagles, Rod and Gun Club and Morris Country Club. He was also an assistant instructor with the Dale Carnegie Training Courses. He took great pleasure in golf, hunting and woodworking. He loved playing cards, played the drums in the family band of years past, and will be remembered for his enjoyment of spending time with family.

Survivors include his children: Diane (Pat) Rooney and Rhea (Pete) Dummitt, both of Morris, Sue Benson of Shorewood, Cherie (Doug) Prosser of Shorewood and Buz (Leslie) Chouinard of Morris. (7) grandchildren: Marty (Kim) Benson of Morris, Amy (Mike) Pitsenberger of Shorewood, Joe (Lori) Benson of Missouri, Mark Prosser of Joliet, Katie Prosser of Joliet and Ethan Chouinard and Emmet Chouinard, both of Morris. (11) great-grandchildren: Teesha Benson, Brittany (Mike) Sand, Melissa Benson, Alex (Italia) McKanna, Anika Pitsenberger, Mike Pitsenberger, Ellie Pitsenberger, Cadance Benson, Dante Benson, Donovan Benson and Conner Herlin. One great-great granddaughter Athena McKanna and numerous nieces and nephews.

Riz was preceded in death by his parents; wife Darlene on March 2, 2006 and (12) brothers and sisters.

Visitation and video tribute will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris on Thursday, July 21, 2016 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will follow Friday morning, July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the church with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated with Reverend Ed Howe CR officiating. Military honors provided by the Morris Color Guard will be rendered immediately following the Mass and a funeral luncheon will be hosted in the St. Angela Room at Immaculate Conception School.

Cremation will be accorded, and a private family inurnment will be held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where Riz will be laid to rest with Darlene at a later date.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Riz’s grandchildren.

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Riz's memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Riz's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)