Richard Cogdal (Dick), a fellow of infinite jest, and most excellent fancy…
Richard Boyd Cogdal was born on April 4, 1917 in Urbana, Illinois and passed away on April 30,
2024 in Urbana, Illinois at the age of 107. A memorial celebration will be held on June 6, 2024.
Dick was born to parents Frank P. Cogdal and Eula Lee Boyd. He is preceded in death by his
parents, his sister, Ruth Cogdal Gowen, a niece, Julie Gowen and his wife of 48 years, Shirley
(Conner) Cogdal. Dick and Shirley were proud adoptive parents of Sara (Jim) Elsasser, and
Ann (Preston) Hoops. He was a proud grandfather to five, Rebecca, Isaac, Owen, Eli, and
Miles. He will also miss his loving, longtime companion of 22 years, Nancy Jorgesen. Together,
they enjoyed many travel adventures, singing, and socializing with friends and family.
Dick grew up attending Urbana Schools before attending The University of Illinois where he
received his B.S. in accounting and his master’s in accounting and finance. He was a member
of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and proudly played the bass drum with The Marching Illini for five
years. He spent his college summers as Stage Manager at Interlochen School of Music in
Michigan. He was an avid piano player and continued playing until he was 106.
After college, Dick worked for a small accounting firm, Bauman- Finney before joining the US
Navy and receiving his commission as an Ensign in 1942. Dick was assigned to the Bureau of
Ordnance in Washington D.C.. While in Washington, he met and married Shirley Conner on
December 10, 1943, she was also an officer in the Navy. Two weeks later, he was reassigned
to the USS Makassar Strait CVE 91 where he served as Officer of the Deck and Gunnery
Officer. During his time on the Makassar Strait, the aircraft carrier was assigned to the Western
Pacific where the ship supported the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and was awarded two
battle stars.
After the war, he began working for Arthur Anderson and Company as an accountant. In 1947,
Dick and Shirley returned to Urbana, Illinois to continue their adventures. Dick joined his father
and built a long career working at Cogdal and Hobbs, Real Estate and Insurance where he
worked well into his 90’s.
Together, Dick and Shirley worked for the United Nations refugee camp in Leibnitz, Austria with
students from around the world building houses and apartments for refugees during World
Refugee Year in 1959.
Dick generously gave back to his community throughout his lifetime by serving on numerous
committees and boards. Some of them include: Commercial Savings and Loan, Champaign-
Urbana Symphony, Urbana Rotary, Urbana Country Club, Wesley Foundation, Urbana Library
Board, Urbana Chamber of Commerce, Symphonia Da Camera and the Boys and Girls Club.
He was particularly proud of being a member of Urbana Rotary for over 70 years and supporting
The University of Illinois and Krannert Center.
Dick enjoyed his free time playing golf, handball, poker, piano, singing, reciting poetry, traveling
all over the world, loved sharing stories about his experiences in the Navy, eating any and all
sweets, watching his beloved Illini football and basketball games, watching the Chicago Cubs,
spending time with his family and friends, sitting on his porch watching the leaves blow in the
breeze and supporting the Arts. He ended each day by graciously thanking everyone who has
helped him, and saying “God Bless America (and Tiny Tim).”

Dick’s daughters would like to thank all who helped their father reach the incredible age of 107,
with a special thanks to Letisha, Lara, and Marion.
ILL……INI

A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on June 6, 2024 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Road, Urbana, IL 61802. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Richard McGuire will be officiating. Military honors with participation of VFW Post 5520, Patriot Guard and Navy detachment. Private family inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Rotary Club of Urbana, 101 West Windsor Road, Urbana, IL 61802.