Richard L. Tabatt, 88, of Schaumburg, formerly of Huntley and Des Plaines, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026.
Richard was born on July 24, 1938, in Iowa, the son of Louis and Esther (Jordan) Tabatt. On August 3, 1968, he married the love of his life, Mary E. Dueland.
Known to family and friends as Dick, he graduated from Elmhurst College and built a career in the communications industry as a project manager. He cared deeply about his community and believed in serving others. While living in Des Plaines, Dick served on the District 62 Board of Education and was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In 2002, Dick and Mary moved to Huntley, where they continued their commitment to community involvement. They were charter members of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church.
Long before the environment became a widespread concern, Dick was part of the first environmental commission in Des Plaines. How people treated the earth was always foremost in his mind. He enjoyed canoeing and spending time outdoors. He was also a marathon runner, hiker, biker, played tennis and softball.
Dick faithfully volunteered each week as a builder with Habitat for Humanity in both Arizona and Illinois. In quieter moments, he enjoyed working crossword puzzles and, most of all, spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Tabatt; his daughters, Elizabeth (the Rev. Mark) Ziemann and Susan (John) Wach; his grandchildren, Hannah, Charlie, Morgan, Carlin (Joshua) and Jordan; his sister, Carol (Edward) Kurmann; and many nieces and nephews.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, Dick will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley or Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some peace in the fact that he has returned home and his health has been restored. Love you guys and I’m always here if you need me.
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Karrie
Mary, I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family. You were the best counselor I know. I loved our relationship and miss you. Harvey
Mary I am confident that your strong spiritual beliefs will guide you through this difficult time. I will always remember Dick for his great sense of humor and calm persona. What a great couple!
We were privileged to know Dick and Mary in our SOTP life. Dick was a long serving property team member in addition to his work for habitat for humanity. Hearing his life story through the words of granddaughters is life lifting. Love that he sang hymns to the end, reflecting all of the joy shared throughout his life.