Our wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, Richard “Dick” Sitterding, 87, of Batesville, IN died peacefully on Friday, May 28th surrounded by his loving family.
Born July 4th,1933 to Harry and Ethel (nee Minger) Sitterding. He was preceded in death by brother Kenny (Theresa), sister Ione Lakey (Chuck), sister Jean Miles, and brother Willis.
He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (nee Schone), three sons: Mitch (Mary), Sam (Micki), Kent (Teri), eight grandchildren: Zac (Emily), Shan (Bill), Cathryn (Joshua), Eli, Abe (Amber), Alex (Amanda), Lawson, and Lillie, along with eleven great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Batesville High School in 1951, Dick entered the U.S. Army where he was stationed at Fort Hood in Texas as a Tank Instructor. His father once joked, “It’s the best job they could have given him. You can’t wreck a tank!” Dick shared that, during his time in Texas, he had his first experience eating spicy food when he was given a hot chili pepper. He was not impressed, and thus began a lifelong aversion to spicy food.
Dick married the love of his life, Marilyn Schone, on June 30, 1956 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Their reception was held at the Schone family farm where they eventually returned to live in 2001. In 2016, the family gathered to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on the very spot they were married 60 years earlier.
Dick remained a lifelong member of St. John’s UCC and served as the President of the Church Council for many years and was the “Audio Engineer” for the Ecumenical Easter Choir for 30+ years as Marilyn lovingly directed.
He was an active member of numerous organizations including the Shriners, Masons, and Lion’s Club. He was a proud member of the Batesville Athletics Booster Club and more often than not, could be found in the stands at just about any Batesville sporting event, especially when there was a grandkid involved.
Dick was an entrepreneur, businessman, and an intensely curious soul. His mind constantly turned, attempting to forecast the next greatest trend. Whether it be selling insurance or modular homes, or simply reading a good history book, his mind rarely settled. In 1979, Dick assumed what would be his greatest business role to date, in being the COO/One-Man-Logistics-Team of Marilyn’s Country Bouquet. A venture initially conceived as a side job quickly gained traction and turned into the family business that carried them all the way to retirement in 2015.
Full of charm, wit, humor, and a laugh that could fill even the emptiest of rooms, “Papaw” will be intensely missed by all who knew him. A devoted family man first and foremost, he spent his days trailing the family with a camcorder in hand and being a dedicated pool boy to all.
Due to the holiday weekend, memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Batesville Athletic Boosters, or to St. John’s United Church of Christ Music Ministry by bringing to services or mailing to: Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006..
The visitation will be Tuesday, June 1, 2021 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral service to follow at St. John’s United Church of Christ at 1:30 PM. Masonic services will be prior at 9:30 AM. Rev. Joey Feldmann officiating. Burial in St. John’s UCC Cemetery with graveside military honors conducted by the Ripley County VFW Post #3183 and Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271.
You are welcome to leave a message at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com on Dick’s obituary page for the family in the online guestbook.