Richard "Rick" E. Alms

Richard E. “Rick” Alms

Richard E. “Rick” Alms, 72, of DeKalb, passed away January 16, 2025, at The Pavillion on Main Street in Sandwich, IL.

He was born April 23,1952 in DeKalb Illinois to parents James and Wilma (Cochrane) Alms. Rick was raised in Malta and graduated from Malta High School in 1970. 

After returning from living in California, Rick worked with his father in the family construction business, followed by 31 years at Northern Illinois University. He retired in 2008 and began working part-time for the DeKalb Park District. 

Rick loved his sports both professional and college level. He was an enthusiastic Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, and we can’t forget the Irish. He had a strong interest in World War II history and was able to visit Europe and Normandy Beach with his longtime friend John Wright. He will also be remembered for his humor and his love of telling jokes!  

He is survived by his wife Kay Phillips, son Nicholas Alms, sister Jenny Melton, nieces Emily (Dave) Williams, Katie (Earl) Sullivan, and great niece and great nephews Connor Thorstens, Declan Williams, Adisyn and Zachary Galijatovic.  

Rick is preceded in death by his parents, half-sister Paula Mooney, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at Finch Funeral Home and Crematorium, 310 Oak St., DeKalb, IL. Memorial service will follow the visitation at 12:00pm at the funeral home with Pastor Jonathan Crail officiating. Burial will be held immediately following the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb. Cremation rights have been entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 815-815-758-3841.

A special thank you to the staff at Pavillion on Main and Three Oaks Hospice for their care of Rick. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Three Oaks Hospice or online at threeoakshospice.com/foundation.