Richard Wemstrom, 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 29, 2024, in Palatine, IL. Born on December 14, 1947, in Chicago, IL, to the late Charles and Marcella (nee Jackson) Wemstrom, Rich is preceded in death by his sister Joanne (Louie) Vassos and survived by his brother Charles Wemstrom, his sister Patricia Giovacchini, his beloved bride, Diane (nee Wojcik) Wemstrom, their daughter Jennifer (Scott) Wemstrom, grandsons Kyle and Nathan, and step grand-daughters Ashley (Alex) Demitroff and April (Drew) Mitchell. Richard was a beloved Cousin and Uncle to many.
Richard attended Loyola Academy and was always proud of his Jesuit influences. After graduating from the University of Dayton, he taught 7th and 8th grade at St. Issac Jogues Catholic School in Niles, IL for 5 years before transitioning to the business world. He finished his career after almost 25 years as a Buyer and Controller at Bosch. Ever the teacher, he continued to teach not in the classroom but by the example he set in life.
Richard and Diane settled in Buffalo Grove in 1971 and made St. Mary their home. Richard was actively involved in numerous ministries in the Church including Choir, Lecturing, RCIA, Knights of Columbus, Men’s Club, Bereavement Ministry, Ministry of Care. He was also instrumental in the planning of Men’s Bellarmine Retreat. But nothing could beat the excitement of the summer Bocce season, where Richard was the diligent scorekeeper, capturing every game. But to Richard Bocce represented more than a game, it was all about Faith, Family and Friends, a mantra that guided his life.
Richard’s positive attitude and unwavering faith were his hallmark traits that allowed Richard to overcome many adversities and live life to its fullest. Richard lost his parents at the age of 18, he was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in his early 30’s, and fought heart disease and cancer in his 70’s. Yet Richard was always physically active, first as an active member with the Wheeling Wheelman in the 1980’s, and then later with Hiking. Hiking gave him some of his greatest joys in life, culminated by hiking the Camino in Spain twice, first by himself in 2016 and then with the family in 2022. He also hiked twice in England and California, in addition to his daily local hikes. He often spoke of his transformative experience of the Camino, where his physical and spiritual journeys merged to give him true fulfillment.
Richard was absolutely loved and admired by his extended family and friends. He is fondly remembered for creating the yearly Christmas Photo games for both the Wemstroms and the Wojciks as well as his photo books, capturing years of family memories.
Yet with this extremely full life, his greatest joy was his almost 55-year marriage to his “beautiful bride†Diane, where every day he chose love. Richard truly lived an exemplary life where his love and faith were an inspiration to all.
A visitation will take place from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00am on Friday, June 7, 2024 at St. Mary Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Interment St. Mary Parish Cemetery.
Luncheon following at Saranello’s 601 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society, WTTW, or St. Mary Parish
May he Rest in Peace! |