Richard "Dick" Gierat 65, of Belvidere, died Friday, February 27, 2009 in O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center from complications due to a fall. He was born September 20, 1943 in Peru, Illinois, the son of Emil "Husky" and Elaine (Barto) Gierat. Dick moved to Belvidere in 1968 from Columbia, Missouri. He married his childhood sweetheart, Claire L. Schell in Peru, Illinois on September 5, 1964. He was self employed as an Accountant and Tax Preparer in Belvidere for nearly 30 years. Previous to that, he worked 17 years at Chrysler Corp. Dick attended the United Church of Christ, and was a past president of the Independent Accountants Association of Illinois. He was a member of the National Association of Tax Practitioners, member of Belvidere Noon Rotary and member of the American Contract Bridge League and the Bridge Center of Rockford. He enjoyed fishing, golf and sports of all kinds and was an "O" gauge model railroad enthusiast. He received his B.S. degree from University of Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Claire, of Belvidere; two daughters, Debbi (Tom) Clippert, Beloit, Wisconsin; Nichole "Nikki" (Calvin) King, Belvidere; one granddaughter, Abigail King, Belvidere; a brother, Tom (Kathy) Gierat Mission Viejo, California. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and son, Matthew.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Dick Gierat in care of Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home. Contributions will be shared with his favorite causes, Friends of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, OSF St. Anthony Animal Assisted Therapy Program and Bridge Centers of Rockford.