MATTAWAMKEAG – Wendell C. Rideout “Herk” went home to be with the Lord Aug. 13, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 29, 1934, in Waterville, the son of Wendell and Theresa (Rogerson) Rideout. He faithfully attended Mattawamkeag Baptist Church. Herk was raised in North Yarmouth, he considered that his home. He entered the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He was discharged in 1954 and moved to Millinocket. He worked for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad for two years, then for Great Northern Paper Co., where he retired after 37 years in 1996. Herk leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Janice; his children, Bret of Vasalia, Calif., Lynn Conary and fiance, Mark Eldrige, of Millinocket, Bart of Oakdale, Conn., Wendy and Bill Noonan of Lincoln and Brandi Sue Rideout of Bangor; stepchildren, Bert Budge and Sandy of Falcon, Colo., Brent Budge and Connie of Bradley, Robert Budge and Lori of Eddington, Rick Budge and Jill Pelkey of Lee; grandchildren who he was so proud of, Joshua, Kurstin, Ashley, Robert, Ivy, Jasmine, Ruby, Conner, Cassidy, Victoria, Nicole, Natasha, Raegen and Taryn; six great-grandchildren; siblings, Marilyn Smid of Florida, Robert and Gail Rideout of New York, Sandra Rideout of New York, Charles Rideout of Bangor, Carol and Mike Beagen of Bangor and Judy and Ray Barfield of Wyoming; and two sisters-in-law, Ginny of Millinocket and Becky of Portland. He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Kurt; sister, Joanne; and brothers, Eugene and Arnold. A viewing will be held noon-1 p.m. Aug. 29 at Mattawamkeag Baptist Church, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. with Pastor Steve McNally officiating. Burial will be immediately after at Mattawamkeag Cemetery.
WENDELL C. RIDEOUT
