Richard "Dick" Struben

Richard Struben, born on April 26, 1931, peacefully passed away on July 19, 2023, at the age of 92, surrounded by his loved ones at Sanford USD Medical Center.

Richard was born in Peoria, Illinois, and faced an early loss when his mother passed away when he was just five years old. Raised by his older sibling and father, he was known as a spunky and energetic child. His love for golf began during his caddying days, and it became one of his favorite hobbies throughout his life.

Faith played a significant role in Richard's life, as he was raised in the Catholic tradition and attended Catholic school. Devoted to his faith, he was an active volunteer at his church, serving as an usher, reader, and even helping with church maintenance. Richard's Catholic values and principles guided him in his interactions with others, making him a compassionate and caring person.

After graduating high school, Richard dedicated 36 years of his career to Caterpillar, where his exceptional work ethic and loyalty earned him a management position and the role of Safety Director. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills, Richard took great pride in ensuring the safety of his colleagues and the smooth operation of the company. He was highly respected by his peers and served as a role model to many aspiring professionals.

At the age of 19, Richard met the love of his life, Rosemary, at a dance. During their courtship Rosemary and Richard would talk for hours on the phone with one another.  Often, so long that Richard would fall asleep to the voice of his beloved Rosemary. Their love blossomed, leading to a beautiful marriage, and they were blessed with two children, Richard and Pam. Throughout their life together, Richard and Rosemary shared a bond that was built on mutual love, respect, and unwavering support for one another. They were a loving and inseparable couple, serving as an example of true partnership and devotion to their family and friends.

Richard's interests and hobbies extended beyond his professional life. He was a talented woodworker, creating beautiful pieces with skill and precision. He enjoyed fishing and often took family and friends on memorable fishing trips, sharing his love for nature and the great outdoors. Richard's enthusiasm for sports led him to participate in dart ball and several bowling leagues, where he built lasting friendships and created cherished memories.

An active member of the Knights of Columbus, Richard devoted time and energy to charitable activities and community service. He believed in making a positive impact on the world and tirelessly worked to help those in need. Even after retiring from Caterpillar, Richard continued to serve as a volunteer fireman, always ready to lend a helping hand to his community.

Richard's "do it yourself" attitude and incredible skills earned him a reputation as a capable problem solver. He could fix anything, whether it was repairing household appliances or building intricate structures. His motto, "it's Dick's way, or no way," reflected his determination to achieve perfection in all that he undertook.

As an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, Richard eagerly followed the ups and downs of his beloved teams. He loved discussing sports and watching games with family and friends, always hopeful for their success.

But above all, Richard was a family man, deeply devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He cherished family gatherings, especially during holidays, and took joy in creating cherished memories with his loved ones. Christmas held a special place in his heart, as he loved the warmth of the season, the joy of giving, and the happiness of seeing the family united.

Richard is survived by his, son Richard (Mary), daughter Pam (Denny), grandchildren David, Jason (Carrie), Matthew (Julia) and Amy (John), great grandchildren Marley, Grayson and Myles.

Funeral Mass for Richard will take place on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Peoria, IL.

Richard Struben leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness, dedication, and love. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved wife, Rosemary, and may his spirit of generosity and love continue to inspire and guide us all.