As a youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Dick was a graduate of Purdue University, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1955 until 1962.

He was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1980 to 1993, and the Illinois Senate from 1993 until his retirement on Feb. 10, 2003. While in the Illinois Senate, he served as chairman of the prestigious Senate Executive Committee, served on the local government, elections and the commerce and industry committees. In addition, he served as co-chairman of the Legislative Printing Unit.

Prior to serving in the House, he was elected to positions in Nunda Township, served as the president of the District 46 Board of Education; was elected to the McHenry County Board and then served as chairman, passing the first developer donation ordinance to preserve farmland and control growth; and was chairman of the first McHenry County Economic Development Committee. He was recognized by countless community service organizations for his civic contributions. On his retirement from the Senate he held the office of assistant Republican leader.

In 1972, he purchased F.W.E. (Food Warming Equipment Company). FWE was founded in the late 1940s by his father. Dick operated FWE as president until selling the company in 2005 to his close friend and business partner, Deron Lichte. He assumed the role of chief executive officer and chairman of the board until his death. Recognized for his innovation, he received five U.S. patents. He oversaw the move of FWE manufacturing from Elk Grove Village to Crystal Lake in 1982, as well as several expansions of the manufacturing facility.

Most important to him was his loving family, including his beloved wife of 17 years, Nancy; four sons, James (Tammy) Skerston of St. Charles, MO, Jack (Lori) Skerston of Springfield, Michael Havrilka of Palo Alto, CA, and David (Sarah) Havrilka of St. Charles, IL; three daughters, Susan (Jeff) Johnston of Las Vegas, Kaye (Kevin) Krimmel of Springfield, Jamie (Dave) Howe of Woodstock; 17 grandchildren; a sister, DeLoris (Rick) Tull of McHenry; a niece, Debbie Hoffman; and a nephew, Charles Gauger.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2010, at Justen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry, IL 60050. A visitation will also be held in Springfield from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Staab Funeral Home, 1109 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62703.

Private inurnment will be held at Camp Butler Cemetery, Springfield, IL at a later date.

For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, memorials are suggested by his family to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials and Honors Program, Memphis, TN 38105-9956.

For information, call Justen Funeral Home and Crematory at 815-385-2400, or for Springfield information, call the Staab Funeral Home at 217-528-6461.

Friends may send an online condolence to the family at www.justenfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register on Mar. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Klemm

14 Entries

Pat and John Dietrich

March 31, 2010

Dear Nancy and family,
We were very sorry to hear of your loss. We were out of town or we would have responded sooner. We have many happy memories of you and Dick from the Wagon Wheel. He did a great job for the citizens of Illinois. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Pat and John Dietrich

Greg and Cecca Hohimer

March 31, 2010

Nancy, we are very sorry and saddened for your loss.

Dorthea & Monica Evans

March 29, 2010

Nancy, please accept our condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

kathy olinger-moffitt

March 26, 2010

nancy i am so sorry about your loss. i have thought of you often over the years havent kept in touch with any of the girls. it would be nice to see them.
sorry i wont be able to attend saturday
but my thoughts are with you.

Janet Leigh Kennedy

March 26, 2010

Nancy, I am truly sorry for you loss, having just lost my mother on 3/8/10 I know the pain and heartache all too well, my sympathy and prayers for you and the family. On a lighter note, I must tell you he made a fetching date when you allowed him to escort me to the Committee Ball, what a dancer, what a loss.
Hugs for you.

Donna Kurtz

March 26, 2010

I first met Dick Klemm in the early '70s when I was just a kid. I remember Dick as always being so much fun to talk to when he came over to the house for a party, or after playing golf with my dad. I remember later when I attended college in Springfield, how proud I was that my parent's friend, this wonderful, handsome, and charismatic man, was now our State Representative and an important elected official. However, no matter how increasingly important and prominent Dick Klemm would become in the years ahead, he always had an upbeat thoughtful comment to share with all he met. Very simply Dick was a man who was deeply revered in McHenry County for his service, leadership, and perhaps most of all, his common touch. One of his legacy will be the example that he has instilled in all who knew him. My condolences to his strong and loving wife Nancy and their family.

Donna Kurtz

Leon & Carla Jones

March 26, 2010

Nancy and family, we send our love and prayers. We remember how pleasant Dick was when you visited us at the resort and had a bat in the cabin. Remember the good times.

Nia Odeoti-Hassan

March 26, 2010

To the Family Of State Senator Richard O. Klemm

I have worked on the Senate Democratic Staff since 1981 and I first met Senator Klemm when he was in the House and we were glad to see him move to the Senate. We were sad when he retired from the Senate. When I handled any of his bill, he was always polite and a gentlemen. He was also respectful and kind to staff whether Republican or Democratic. We don't find too many politicians today like Senator Klemm who have integrity, you can trust and puts the people first over politics.

Mrs. Klemm, I was also a frequent visitor to Fritz's and have not been to the establishment since you and your family left Springfield.

May the family find peace in knowing that your love one leaves a legacy to his family and the people of the State of Illinois.

Allen & Laurie Gain

March 25, 2010

Our deepest sympathy to Nancy and all the family. Our prayers are with you.

March 25, 2010

State Senator Klemm was the first recipient of the Centegra Community Leader of the Year Award in 2003. He demonstrated service on a broad scale that resulted in improvements and contributions in the realm of community service and overall community health. The Community Leader of the Year Award is still presented annually.

Centegra Health System was honored to recognize his achievements as a leader in our local community who demonstrated the attributes of servant leadership, especially in the area of community service. He worked hard to provide the best healthcare possible to our community and he led by example. We are proud to have shared those same principles with him.

Michael S. Eesley, Centegra Health System President and CEO

March 25, 2010

sharon staley

March 25, 2010

Nancy i send my condelences to you and your family, i know my mother (clara boggs) would want to be there for you and your family.

March 25, 2010

Senator Klemm warmly and graciously welcomed us as contituents and guests at the capitol when my children paged in the House [sponsored by Rep Kay Wojcik] on several occasions in the '90's. His illness was most unfortunate and his passing a loss for the people of the State of Illinois.

mk Zmuda (McHenry Co. IL)

Jay Wagner

March 25, 2010

I interned with Senator Klemm one summer in the 90s. He was a very kind man, and I was saddened by his passing. My sincerest condelences to his family.

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