Richard J. "Dick" Hoene, 90, of Teutopolis, IL entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2017.

He was born at home in Sigel, IL on January 13, 1927 to Ben and Anna (Will) Hoene. From an early age, he greatly enjoyed working on the family farm, and he continued farming until his retirement. His nieces and nephews were incredibly important to him, and he was proud to be involved in their lives. He married Frances Holkenbrink Buehnerkemper in December 1989 and immediately embraced her family of eight children. He reinforced in his new family the virtues of kindness, humility, and generosity.

Dick was a devout Catholic and member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and the Effingham Knights of Columbus. He was a faith-filled man obedient to the will of God. He never uttered a negative word and could only see the good in the world. He was dedicated in serving weekly prayer hour in Perpetual Adoration at the hospital chapel, and in serving at church funerals. In his healthier days, he could be seen walking his miles along Main Street and visiting with Dennis at the post office, or driving around the countryside admiring God's creation. He had a ready smile and charming comeback for everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his wife Frances and his siblings Lawrence, Leonard, Clarence (Frances), Estella (Carl) Donsbach, Ida (Louie) Hille, and Mary (John) Ordner. He is survived by his children Deb (Ron) Starwalt, Rick (Christal) Buehnerkemper, Sandie (Skip Niebrugge) Buehnerkemper, Gary (Karen) Buehnerkemper, Jim Buehnerkemper, Jane (Dan) Boone, Cindy (Mike) Gaddis, and Christy (J.R.) Elder. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, 19 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. The family extends their utmost thanks to Dick's caregivers, Crystal Morgan and Kathy Brown.


Anyone who met Dick agreed that his patience was unparalleled. Affectionately known by his family as the "baby whisperer", his grandchildren adored him because of his calming nature and affection, and they will always remember the joy a Tootsie Roll could bring. The family believes that he is dancing with Francie in heaven at their very own honky-tonk. As Dick would say, "His work here was done."

Services to honor Dick's life will begin with Visitation from 3-6 pm at St. Francis Church, Teutopolis, on Sunday, October 22, with a K of C rosary beginning at 6 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Monday at 10:30 am at St. Francis, with burial in St. Francis cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Harmony Playground to memorialize Dick's love for all children.