Wayne Eugene Ridenhower

Dateline: Godfrey Wayne Eugene Ridenhower, 89, passed away at 4:09 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 under the care of BJC Hospice in Godfrey. He was born July 21, 1926 in Alton, the son of Wayne and Freda (Dawes) Ridenhower. Wayne joined the U.S. Navy at age 16 and served 4 years in WWII as a radio man serving on the U.S.S. Henrico. Later he graduated from Alton Senior High School and continued his education in Water Treatment plants for the Alton Boxboard Company, becoming certified through S.I.U.E. He retired in 1988 as the company’s process control manager. He joined St. Matthew’s Church in 1997 and volunteered for setting up of events. He was a participant in the Honor Flight program and visited Washington DC with his son, daughter, and son-in-law to see the U.S. Navy Memorial and attended the final reunion of his ship in 2009. He also got to travel “the world” at EPCOT with family in 2012. Wayne built their family home in the Milton area in 1960 where they lived for 54 years. He often did gardening for the religious sisters at St. Matthews and helped supply them with cardboard and paper for school projects. He enjoyed fishing, making and repairing things, gardening and music programs and loved animals. Wayne was a certified pilot and often flew his own piper airplane from Bethalto airport. He took pride in his yard, receiving the Pride Eye Award on many occasions, and was an anonymous donator to many organizations and causes. Gene married Ellen M. Simpson on June 14, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Rectory in Alton by Father Bretz. They were honored in Springfield, IL at the cathedral on their 50th wedding anniversary and were together over 65 years. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2013. Surviving are two children and their spouses, David and Debbie (Dunker) Ridenhower of St. Peters, MO; Sue and Jerry Mueller of Godfrey; two granddaughters, Jennifer (Luke) Peterson of Carlinville and Zoe Ridenhower of St. Peters, MO; a brother-in-law Melvin Simpson of Troy, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by all three of his brothers, Cy, Jim and Bill, and an infant granddaughter, Ashleigh Sue Mueller (November 23-24, 1982). Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. Father John Luong will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery with full military honors. Per his request, memorials may be made to The Honor Flight of Springfield, IL. The family wishes to thank BJC Hospice and special friends, Tina, Alisa, and Stacey at Morningside of Godfrey for their devotion and care, including listening to all the stories and sharing ice cream floats. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Wayne Eugene Ridenhower

July 21, 1926 - November 20, 2015