Richard "Rich" Escherich

Richard "Rich" Escherich, Jr., age 82, of Lake of Egypt, IL, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 6:55 a.m. at his home.
He was born on January 10, 1942, in Chicago, IL, a son to Richard and Eleanore (Callendar) Escherich, Sr. He was united in marriage to Linda L. (Bale) Jorgensen on July 11, 1997 in Chicago and together they have shared over twenty-six years of marriage.
Rich was a graduate of Evergreen Park Community High School Class of 1960. During his high school years, he was an avid bowler and was secretary of the Bowling Club and President of the band. After graduating, Rich answered the call of his nation by serving in the United States Air Force from 1961 until 1965. After his period of faithful service, he was honorably discharged.
His working years were spent primarily with U.S. Steel sailing on the Great Lakes on the ore boats. After many years of service to U.S. Steel, Rich began working in maintenance, with his last many years working for First National Bank, until his retirement.
In 2003, Rich and Linda moved to Lake of Egypt, south of Marion, IL, to live full time. His community involvements after moving to Southern Illinois included serving as President of the North Shoreland subdivision and for eleven years served as a trustee for the Lake of Egypt Fire Protection District. Rich was also a member of Lake of Egypt Christian Church and the Marion American Legion Post #147.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Escherich of Lake of Egypt, IL; four children, Lisa (Ozro) Smith of Dafter, MI, Terri Rosebohm of Sault Sainte Marie, MI, Leann (Benjamin) Smith of Sault Sainte Marie, MI and Richard "Rick" (Tiffany) Escherich of Dafter, MI; two step-sons, Daniel Jorgensen of Woodridge, IL and David (Georgia) Jorgensen of Romeoville, IL; fifteen grandchildren, Lindsey Mattson, Krystal Rosebohm, Robert Jorgensen, Melynda Schroeder, Landon Mattson, Hart Jorgensen, Cody Rosebohm, Mara Jorgensen, Ozro Smith, Kassidy Smith, Alana Smith, Haylie Escherich, Cayd Escherich, Molly Escherich and Jase Escherich; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Carol (James) Heine of Batavia, IL and Jill Escherich of Grand Rapids, MI; two sisters-in-law, Kathleen Escherich of Detroit Lakes, MN and Maureen Escherich of Chicago, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, John "Jack" Escherich and Arthur Escherich; and a sister, Arlene Dillon.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be held at Lake of Egypt Christian Church, located at 12102 Malibu, Marion, IL on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Leroy Waggoner presiding.
Military honors will be accorded at the church by members of the Marion V.F.W. Heyde-Pillow Post 1301 Funeral Honors Detail and the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Detail.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial donations be directed to "Lake of Egypt Christian Church." Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the service or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.