Richard Charles Ortwerth

He was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Rudolph C. and Louise M. Ortwerth. He was happily married to his wife, Jeanette (Jan) M. Ortwerth, for over 71 years. With her by his side, he dedicated his life to his family, friends, faith, and community, where he built a legacy of love, joy, and laughter for which he will always be remembered.

After serving in the Navy, he led a professional career as a salesman for many years, and then worked for School District 211 in Schaumburg for 10 years prior to his retirement. Throughout his long & active life, he enjoyed athletic activities such as soccer, diving, softball, volleyball, bowling, and golf. Rich enjoyed long road trips to see the United States as much as he enjoyed quiet mornings at home, doing the crossword puzzle, feeding the birds and squirrels in his backyard, and spending quality time with his family. He volunteered for the Schaumburg Park District and served as an usher at St. Marcelline Church for over 20 years.

Rich was much beloved by his family, who remember him fondly as a funny, goofy, stubborn, exceptionally loving man with a boundless sense of humor, fearless candor, perpetual twinkle in his eye, devotion to God, and incredible dance moves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Gussie Dedeke (Bill) and Betty Gaugel (Del), his sister-in-law Illeane Bielicki (Ed), and his son-in-law, Greg Stasinos

He is survived by his wife, Jan, 4 children, Rick Ortwerth (Patti), Ron Ortwerth (Trudy), Jenna Stasinos (Bill Hitching), Sheila Bragg (Don), 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law George Smith (Marilyn), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Though he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, his love lives on in our hearts. We love you, Rich.

For service information, please contact the family.