Richard J. "Rich" Malon, 49, of Apple River, IL, formerly of Elizabeth, IL, passed away Thursday evening, October 16, 2014, at home, following a lingering illness with PTSD.

Funeral Services will be at 11 A/M, on Saturday, October 25, 2014, at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, in Schapville, IL (536 E. Schapville Road, Scales Mound, IL) with Pastor Barb Rapp officiating. Burial will be in Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Cemetery, with full military honors by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Visitation will be after 10 A/M, on Saturday, October 25th, at the church.

The Miller & Steinke Funeral Home, of Scales Mound, IL, is in charge of arrangements.

Rich was born on January 24, 1965, in Naperville, IL, the son of Ronald J. and Diane L. (Barta) Malon. He was a graduate of Downers Grove North High School, Class of 1983.

He joined the U. S. Marine Corps in 1983 and attained the rank of Corporal. Rich served for ten (10) years including tours of duty in Kuwait and Iraq during Desert Storm and was discharged on June 29, 1993.

He was formerly employed at Siemen Woodworks in East Dubuque, IL.

Rich loved the outdoors, being in the forest, fishing, was a true animal lover, especially his dogs, and enjoyed cooking.

Surviving are two (2) daughters, Stephanie Janel Malon and Jessica Elizabeth Malon; his parents, Ron and Diane Malon, of Elizabeth, IL; two (2) brothers, Rob (Olga) Malon, of Belvidere, IL and Michael (Catherine) Malon, of Hanover, IL; his nephew and nieces, Jacob & Anna Malon, Cheyanne Malon, Lyuba (Alex) Ivanov; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Elmer & Evelyn Malon and Edward & Anna Barta.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.