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Richard John Fliege

Richard John Fliege, 76, of Havana, passed away at 9:10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born October 30, 1941, in Springfield, the sixth child of William and Elizabeth (Schmanski) Fliege. He married Paula Nissen on February 11, 1977 and moved to Havana, where they have lived for 41 years. They are parents of Letricia Fliege of Watseka, Paul (Dede) and Matthew Fliege of Havana. They also raised two grandchildren; Alexis Fliege of Louisville, KY and Evan Fliege of Havana. Also surviving is grandson, Noah Williams of Havana. Mr. Fliege is survived by six siblings: Arthur (Helen) Fliege of Lincoln, Nebraska, Stuart (Judy), Fred (Becky), Tim (Laura), Elizabeth Fliege, all of Springfield and Linda (Dan) Wellenreiter of Danvers. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Jeanne Fliege of Springfield and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers William, Edwin, Walther; sister Dorothy and nephew Tom Wellenreiter. Mr. Fliege graduated from Trinity Lutheran Grade School in 1955, Lamphier High School 1959 and joined the US Navy, serving from 1959-1962 aboard the destroyer USS R. A. Owens. After returning to Springfield, he worked at Franklin Life Insurance Company as an operating engineer, and at the same time taking classes at Springfield Junior College. In 1967, Richard attended full time Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1970. First jobs included working for Volle Electrical Contractors and was heavily involved with the designing and installation of the new lighting during the renovation of Trinity Lutheran Church. Later, he was offered the job of Superintendent of the Havana Coal Transfer Plant in 1973 with C & IM Railroad (Commonwealth Edison) and retired after 40 years. Mr. Fliege was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana, where he had served as church organist for 41 years. He enjoyed woodworking and making furniture for his friends and family. He was a former Cub Scout Master and Boy Scout Master and had served as Committee Chair. He was also involved with many other community activities. In October 2017, he received the Lamb Award at his church. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 27 with visitation prior to the service, beginning at 9:30. Rev. Kevin Wendorf will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Military detail will be provided by VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 of Havana. Memorial contributions may be made to the Havana School Band Program or Havana Fire Department. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

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