John Rich

John Rich
Born: August 25, 1928 in Clare, IL
Died: January 19, 2026 in Sycamore, IL
John Thomas Rich, 97, of Sycamore, Ill., passed away peacefully Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Grand Victorian, Sycamore.
John was born August 25, 1928, in Clare, the son of Clarence "Bouncer" and Nettie Rich. John married Gladys Marguerite Pulliam on February 26, 1950, at the Methodist Church in Genoa. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, love, and service to others.
John began farming as a youth with his father and continued farming on his own after high school, actively working into his late 80s. But while farming was his profession, caring for his family and building lifelong friendships within his community were his true passions. John was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. For many years, he actively supported the Future Farmers of America, 4-H and was a member of the Sycamore Methodist Church and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau.
John is survived by his three children, John (Laurie) Rich, Jean Walter, Joe (Cathy) Rich; nine grandchildren, Sunnie Helmer-Eastman, Dana (Will) Hindenburg, Jonathon Rich, Heidi (Stefan) Agustsson, Joe (Jennifer) Walter, Lindy (Bruce) Rucks, Justin (Michelle) Rich, Amber Rich, Jake (Sarah) Rich; great-grandchildren, Lilly, Isaac, Laura, Greta, Holly, Charlotte, Ella, Benny, Henry, Josef; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Gladys; his two grandsons, Christopher and Jack; his three brothers, Mike, Clark "Bud", Clarence "Ockie"; and his sister Elizabeth "Liz" Sauber.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Sycamore United Methodist Church, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.
A private burial for family at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.
The family thanks the staff at the Grand Victorian for their compassionate care of John.
Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services-Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.