Richard (“Dick”) John Schimmel, 92, of Huntley, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, December 26, 2022, at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington.
Dick was born January 11, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Helen Schimmel. He met and began dating his future wife, Susie Litrenta, at Chicago Molded where they both worked. During their courtship, Dick went to trade school and became a custom cabinet maker. On May 27, 1951, Dick married the love of his life, Susie, eventually celebrating over 71 years together….an inspiration to many. Dick’s highly skilled woodwork can be found in high end mansions and establishments (most famously, the Playboy Mansion), banks, and jewelry stores, and includes cupolas on top of buildings in surrounding suburbs.
Dick was an absolute ‘family man’ and instilled in his children the value of balancing hard work with family time. He also was very sociable, and he absolutely loved to dance with his wife (and anyone willing) well into his 80’s. He and Susie lasted on the dance floor as long as the band was playing. Dick enjoyed boating, fishing, bowling, playing cards, bocce, and his beloved Chicago Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks with family and friends. He taught anyone and everyone who wanted to water ski.
Dick was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfathe rand friend He was preceded in death by his parents John and Helen, siblings Joanie and Jerry, and his first born son, Gregory.He is survived by his wife, Susie, and children, Daniel (Anne), Debbie, John (Barb), and Janice; by his daughter-in-law Judy; by his eleven grandchildren, Dan, Melissa, Christopher, Michael, Stephen, Elizabeth, Eric, Katy, Kristine, Ashley, and John; and by his fifteen great grandchildren. He is beloved by all and will be sorely missed by both family and friends.
All arrangements will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church,- 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Visitation is on Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 9-10am. A Mass will follow at 10:00am along with a short honor guard ceremony commemorating Dick’s active service in the U.S. Army and Korean War. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to AMVETS or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772.
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So very sorry for your loss. What an amazing life he had. Blessings for Sue and the amazing extended family.
He leaves a mighty legacy of family members. To me he was always Uncle Dick. And I very much loved knowing him in my adult life too. We’ll all miss him, but he does live on in his beloved family. As long as we talk about him with smiles in our hearts he will be with us. Speak his name outloud fondly.
Uncle Dick lived the definition of a successful life. He worked and played hard and was devoted to his family, loved by all. Our sincere condolences to the entire family during this unforgettable time.
So sorry for your loss Sue and family. My mom, Jackie Krauser, loved him very much. He was always her favorite cousin He had a wonderful spirit and I’m sure he will be dearly missed.