Richard Dambman

Richard Dambman most enjoyed family gatherings and being a Grandpa. At the age of 94, Richard passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at the Citadel Nursing Center in Sterling. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:30am Friday, November 10, 2023 at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4 – 7pm Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Law Jones Eastland in Lanark, and also one hour prior to the service at the Church. Memorials may be given in his honor for Bethel United Methodist Church.

Richard grew up on the farm his grandfather homesteaded upon immigrating from Germany. He was born February 2, 1929 at home, in Rock Creek Township, the son of Lloyd and Helen (Shiley) Dambman. He attended Schriner Country School, then graduated from Lanark High School in 1948.

When Richard was 32 his life changed. He married the love of his life, Lois (Hummermeier) Woessner. They were wed April 29, 1961. In an instant he also became a father to her young children, Dave and Bob. Richard and Lois then had a third son, Curt. Richard was always very caring and thoughtful. He was the kind of man that was interested in the well-being of others. As a Dad, he taught his sons the values of farming and life, mostly by example. Richard and Lois were married 38 years until her passing in 1999.

As a young man, Richard had a talent for anything mechanical. He spent several years working for local implement dealers, including Meyers and Litwiller John Deere in Milledgeville. He then took over the family farm. He loved raising cattle and working with the land.

Richard was a long-time active member of Bethel United Methodist Church; he was a Grand Master of the Masonic Lodge and active in Scouting with his children. He and Lois would often go dancing wherever there was a good band. Most of all, he enjoyed talking with just about anybody, and he would always ask about their family, or tell a story. His grandkids cherished his stories and knew that Grandpa was the best. They also cherished him, and as they grew older, they just got closer. He was compassionate and always looked after them. He forever felt grateful for his family and being together for many dinners and holidays.

Richard will be dearly missed by his sons, Dave Woessner (Valerie Newman) of Trumbull, Connecticut and Curt (Shelly) Dambman of rural Milledgeville; a daughter-in-law, Julie Woessner of Rock Falls; seven grandchildren, Brock Woessner, Zach Woessner, Ben (Jordan) Woessner, Katie Woessner (Kevin Pacelli), Alex (Shelby) Dambman, Tyler (Faith) Dambman and Erica Dambman; a great-granddaughter, Audreyna; and his brother, Ben (Carol) Dambman of Huntsville, Alabama. Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Lois; a son, Bob Woessner; and both parents.