ELGIN - Richard (Rick) Lee Kumler II, of Elgin, passed away at home surrounded by his family on February 22, 2018 after a long battle with kidney cancer. Rick was born in Bloomington, IL on June 21, 1950 to parents Richard Lee and Phyllis Jean (Moore) Kumler. He grew up in the small rural town of Bellflower in Central Illinois and graduated from Bellflower Township High School in 1968. Rick earned a B.A. in Biology in 1972 from Illinois Wesleyan University, where he met and married fellow IWU alum Christine Marie (Johnson) Kumler on March 25, 1972. A Vietnam War era veteran, Rick served in the U.S. Army from 1972-1975, achieving the rank of Spec 5. He was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he was an instructor in the Army's Pharmacy Technician training program. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Army, Rick and Chris returned to Illinois, where Rick began a Master's program in Biochemistry at Illinois State University. He ultimately decided to enroll in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa and earned a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1980. Rick worked as a pharmacist at Presence St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin, IL for 37 years and was twice named Employee of the Month. Rick was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, enjoyed watching college football and basketball games, and was always in the stands for his sons' sporting events. Rick is survived by his wife of 45 years and his three sons, Scott (Cinnamon) of Goodyear, AZ; Todd (Mark Dickson) of New York City, NY, and Daniel (Angela) of Roselle, IL along with his two grandchildren, Brianna and Dominic of Roselle. He is also survived by his mother of Bellflower and his two sisters, Kathleen (Mick) Williams of Saybrook, IL and Kimberly (Mark) Bonny of Saybrook, IL. He was preceded in death by his father in 2009. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 4-8 PM in the Laird Funeral Home in Elgin. Burial will be at 12:00 Noon on Monday, February 26th at Bellflower Township Cemetery, Bellflowers, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association or to the Veteran's organization of your choice. 847-741-8800 or www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com.
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Our deepest condolences. Jim and Linda KUMLER
February 26, 2018
Dear Chris and family,
I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I worked with Rick for around 10 Year's and found him to be a very hard working, dedicated and responsible co worker. In addition he was always pleasant and level headed. I'm sure your family will greatly miss his quiet presence.
I pray that your memories of the good times will comfort you.
With sympathy,
Karen Mohalski
February 24, 2018
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