Riley Diederich

Riley Diederich, 56, of Ottawa, died Monday, Jan. 5, at his home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Ottawa Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Rude of Church of Christ officiating. Cremation will take place with burial at a later date at St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday Ottawa funeral home. He was born July 4, 1952, in Ottawa, to Edward and Betty (Berger) Diederich. He is survived by three brothers, Edward "Rock" (Sue) Diederich of Peoria and David (Nancy) and Denis (Wendy) Diederich, both of Ottawa; three sisters, Peg (Frank) Bradish of Indio, Calif., Ellen Diederich of Ottawa and Katie (Dan) Atwood of Temecula, Calif.; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty Diederich. Riley was on the Board of Directors with Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living, a member of the Audubon Society, a supporter of Greenpeace and a member of the Church of Christ. He was an avid birdwatcher and amateur astronomer. Through struggles with his health, he always kept a positive attitude, touched many lives and leaves behind many loving friends and family. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Barron, Bob and Val Gray Beguin, Bob Coakley and Linda Jordan. Memorials may be directed to the family.