Richard Ingebretsen

BELVIDERE - Richard L. Ingebretsen, 72, of Belvidere died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, after a short illness. Dick, as he was known by his family and friends, was born Aug. 19, 1942, in Rockford, son of Leif M. and Tora (Staff) Ingebretsen. As a young boy, he was active in Boy Scouts Troop 17 at Grace Lutheran Church (where he was still a member) and earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Dick was proud of his Norwegian heritage and spent time with family in Oslo, Norway, where he followed in his father’s footsteps and learned to ski jump. He married Anieta Whitmire on Sept. 19, 1964, and they had two children, Ray and Robin. Together the family joined the Rockford Ski Broncs and Dick drove a safety boat for the ski show for many years. Dick enjoyed speed. He raced cars at Rockford Speedway when young and began racing tunnel boats with the Great Lakes Boat Club and set many records throughout his career. He was known as “Tricky Dick” in the boat racing family. Dick was a hardworking man and was a sheet metal worker most of his life. After retiring, they moved to Mesa, Ariz., where he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and being part of the Arizona chapter of the Patriot Guards Motorcycle Club welcoming home soldiers. Dick has spent the last three years back in Belvidere living at the Heritage Woods assisted living apartments. It was there he meet Ethel. They were married this past Aug. 1, 2014. Survivors include his wife, Ethel; son, Raymond (Vanessa) Ingebretsen; daughter, Robin (Michael) Chandler; grandchildren, Brittney (Patrick) Pew, Kelsea (Jared) Sonnier, Alexis Ingebretsen, Gage Chandler and Kayla Chandler; sisters, Nancy (Sonny) Milani and Joy (Gary) Swenson; brother-in-law, Noel (Brenda) Whitmire; niece, Colleen (Eric) Tryggestad; nephews, Aaron Whitmire and Jason (Kelly) Whitmire. Predeceased by his parents; and his first wife, Anieta.

Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, in Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Ave., Loves Park, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park.