Richard R. Strle

Richard R. Strle

Age 86 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Born January 12, 1935 in Joliet, Richard Raymond was a son of John and Frances (Muren) Strle. He was raised and educated in Joliet. Richard went to work with his brothers Gus and Ed in the concrete and masonry business. He was a proud 50-year member of Operative Plasters and Cement Masons Union Local 161 as a cement mason until retiring at 62. Following retirement, Rich spent his winters in Arizona with his dear companion Maryanne ‘Hippy’ Spelich and summers in Minocqua, Wisconsin. After Hippy passed, he lived with his nieces Gerry and Kathy Strle as a longtime roommate. The family is so grateful for the kindness and care they provided. Rich enjoyed all sports, as long as it was a good game. That included women’s sports, basketball, WNBA, and softball. He always looked forward to taking trips to the family cabin in Minocqua, Wisconsin, attending a good polka party and playing cards.

Rich lived a full life and would say “no one has had more fun than me”. He enjoyed parties with friends, enjoying comradery, laughter, Euchre, and family gatherings with his brothers, Ed, John, Gus and Ray were frequent, fun and loud over many years.

Laughter, never in short supply when Rich was around; Rich will be remembered for his quick wit and hearty laugh.  If you asked him what the Doctor said at a recent appointment his reply most likely would have been “don’t buy green bananas”. Rich could tell a joke with great patience and a glint in his eyes knowing he had the listener hooked then reeling it in.

He is survived by his children: Richard F. (Mary) Strle, Theresa (Steve Ferree) Strle, Ronald G. Strle and Robert C. Strle; son-in-law: Chung Brown, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents: John and Frances; step-father: Frank Gregorash; daughter: Linda Strle Brown; brothers: John, Raymond, Ed, and Gus, and his brother William in infancy; and long-time companion: Maryann “Hippy” Spelich.

Family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road in Joliet. A celebration of Richard’s life will continue on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and Richard will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Richard’s memory to Lightways Hospice (formerly known as Joliet Area Community Hospice) in Joliet.