Richard D. LeDuke

Richard Dennis LeDuke, 77, of Aroma Park, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at his home. He was born June 2, 1946, in Kankakee, the son of Bruno and Angeline (Gadbois) LeDuke. Richard attended St. Rose Grade School and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1964. While attending St. Patrick’s his love for music, singing and entertaining came to life. He and some friends started his first band that they named “Actions Unlimited.” After high school, he married Nancy (Martin), and they started a family together. They later divorced but remain close friends. Richard worked in manufacturing at Kankakee Roper for 19 years until their closure. He then went on to work at Canteen, Smith Oil Co and Sears Distribution Center. Although, many probably remember him best for his semi-retired days at Ultra Foods greeting everyone he saw with a smile and a handshake. Richard was also known for being the Lead Singer of The Silhouettes, the county’s own 50s & 60s band, for 40 years. Being an entertainer was his passion. As a member of the Silhouette’s, Rich made frequent contributions to dozens of charitable organizations including but not limited to Harbor House, Make A Wish, Salvation Army, United Way, Child Network, Easter Seals, Matea’s Joy, and Officer Tyler Bailey. Richard was a member of Maternity BVM and enjoyed attending church. He loved gardening, karaoke, sitting around the fire, and camping in his younger years. He also enjoyed attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his five children, Denise Brenneisen of Chebanse, Dawn Hinrichs of Limestone, Danielle (Mike) Arseneau of Kankakee, Darin (Jennifer) LeDuke of St. Anne, and Dana (Bill) Loring of Dawsonville, GA; grandchildren, Nikki Billerbeck, Josh Brenneisen, Christopher and Nicholas Hinrichs, Lucas, Jenna, Andrew, and Matthew Arseneau, Landen and Logan LeDuke, and Samuel Loring; great-grandchildren, Grace, Mila, and Bryson; a sister, Rita Huot of AZ; a sister-in-law, Darlene LeDuke-Dittus of Herscher; as well as special friends, George and Nancy Giroux, and Jerry Downs. Richard is preceded in death by his parents; sons-in-law, David Brenneisen and Scott A. Hinrichs; siblings, Doreen (Ben) Benoit and Daniel LeDuke; and special friend, Nancy Trepanier. Visitation will be held Friday, August 4, 2023, from 3pm until the funeral service at 7pm with Father Jason Nesbit, CSV. Cremation rites were accorded. Burial will be private at Aroma Township Cemetery. Memorials may be made out to Richard LeDuke for the wishes of the family.