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Richard Alms Obituary
Born: April 23, 1952 in DeKalb, IL
Died: January 16, 2025 in Sandwich, IL
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Alms
Sponsored by Finch Funeral Home - DeKalb.
Stanton Cunningham
January 29, 2025
Rest in peace my friend
Gary and Barb Palmer
January 28, 2025
Kay I am so sorry for your loss, I wanted you to know Barb and I are thinking of you.
Linda Hawbaker
January 27, 2025
Love you Ricky. Lots of memories. Rest in peace.
Three Oaks
January 27, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences and thinking of your family.
Sincerely, Your Three Oaks Family
Maria Gartland
January 24, 2025
Dear Kay, I’m sorry to hear Rick has passed. It was nice visiting with you both around town over the years. My condolences to your family.
Nick, losing a dad is hard and I hope the memories you made together give comfort.
Tom Gilliam
January 23, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Carrier Duncan
January 23, 2025
Dear Kay, We are so sorry to learn of Rick´s passing. We are living in TX currently but please know we are loving and hugging you from afar. With our love and prayers, Michael and Brenda Duncan
R. James Caldwell
January 22, 2025
Kay and Family sorry for your loss of Rick (RIP)...
R.Jim Caldwell
Lorna Vogt
January 22, 2025
Jenny, I was sorry to read of your brother's passing. May you take comfort from your memories. I have nice memories of the times we shared in Malta. As always, your former neighbor.
Maureen Schuh
January 20, 2025
Dear Jenny,
Bob and I are so sorry to hear this.
We have a lot of fun memories.
Les Smith
January 19, 2025
Rick was a fun guy, and I loved hanging with him in the late 60's-early 70's when he had his Mark Donahue Javelin. I had a SC/Rambler, and we both hung out with te Inbodens in Dekalb. He will be missed. R.I.P. Rick.
David Siebrasse
January 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss, always enjoyed talking with Rick, he a great sense of humor.
Lynette Hueber Niequist
January 19, 2025
Rick’s family has my deepest sympathy
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