Richard Alden

.TOLUCA- Richard E. “Rick” Alden, 64, of Toluca, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 8:03pm at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be Friday April 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial Home, Toluca. Funeral services will be held Saturday 11:00 am at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Toluca with Fr. Patrick Greenough officiating. One hour of visitation will be held Saturday at the church before the funeral. Burial will be at a later date at Antioch Christian Cemetery, Toluca. Memorials may be directed to the Wenona Fire Department or to the Illinois Cancer Center.

Rick was born January 24, 1962, in Oregon, IL to Harold and Wilma (Zumdahl) Alden. He graduated from Mt. Morris High School, class of 1980. He also graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1984.

Surviving are his two sons, Josh (Mollie Healy) Alden, of Wenona, and Zach Alden, of Renton, WA., his life partner, Judi (Ehrnthaller) Jesse, his siblings, Al (Sue) Alden, of Duluth, GA, Bill Alden of Mt. Morris, Ron (Lynda) Alden, of Rockford, Jan (Terry) Glogovsky, of Warsaw, IN, his extended family, Christina (Brian) Hanson, of LaSalle, and Jordan Jesse, of Ames, IA. His special granddaughter, Laken Alden, who was the sparkle of his life. He also has many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Nancy (Parent) Alden, and his parents.

Rick’s life was too short. Just two weeks into his retirement on July 2, 2025, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He fought bravely and courageously with the help of his many caretakers and his partner Judi.

He moved to Toluca, IL in 1989 to start his career with Bernardi Food Services. He married Nancy (Parent) Alden on October 20, 1990. They made Toluca their home and where they would raise their family, sons Josh and Zach.

Rick gave 38 years of his life working for Keebler, Bernardi Foods, Windsor Foods, and Ajinomoto Foods. He was also passionate about making a positive impact within the Toluca community.

Anyone who knew Rick enjoyed his unique sense of humor. He has always been an avid Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. He enjoyed his time traveling, visiting Siesta Key, and spending time with his life partner, Judi Jesse.