Richard G. Terlep

Richard G. Terlep, age 83, of Carol Stream, IL passed away on November 25, 2024 at Central DuPage Hospital. Richard was born on December 22, 1940 in Joliet to Martin and Hattie Marie (Speaker) Terlep. He married Barbara Moerbe on December 26, 1961. They built a house and raised their family in Joliet where they lived until 2016. 

Richard loved sports and competing with his brothers in the local softball league. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan. He worked at the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern (EJ&E) Railroad for 30 years. He was president of the Tavern League at Town and Country Lanes for 20 years and president of his EJ&E golf league for many years as well. Richard spent much of his retirement as a snowbird in Naples, Florida, or playing with his grandson.

Richard (Rich, DeDe, Dad) was a great competitor and by that we mean he liked to win. Be it cards, golf, Trivial Pursuit, his beloved Bears and Cubs, losses were lamented, but never accepted. He was the inventor of Terlep time where being 15 minutes early is actually late. He had a wicked sense of humor. If you were in a movie theater and watched a comedy with him there, he was the man laughing the loudest. Dad never met a stranger. We couldn't go anywhere that he didn't already know someone or talk to someone new and be instant friends. So when you win, think of him. If you're early to an appointment or event or when you get lucky and get all green lights on your drive, he's smiling down on you. Keep laughing out loud and meeting new people and making friends like he would do.

Richard is survived by his loving wife Barbara, son Richard H. Terlep (Beverly); daughter Susan (Matthew) Hinderman; cherished grandson Norman Terlep; brother Marty Terlep; many nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Hattie Terlep; brothers Edward (Gloria) Terlep and William (Minnette) Terlep; sister-in-law Carol Terlep; in-laws Henry and Cecelia (Mores) Moerbe; and nephew Kerry Terlep. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation or charities of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Visitation for Richard G. Terlep will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church,127 S Briggs St, Joliet, IL, at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 5, 2024. Immediately following mass, we will process to Richard’s final resting place at Lockport Cemetery, 518 Madison St, Lockport, IL, for a graveside committal service and interment.