Richard Pauley

Dateline: Collinsville, Illinois

Richard J. Pauley, 68, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 23rd, 2026. Born on May 24, 1957 in La Grange, Illinois, he was the son of the late Robert A. and Pascaline (Striggle) Pauley. Most people called him Rick, except a few who called him Dad, and some little ones who called him Grandpa.

Rick grew up in Chicago Heights, Illinois with his parents and three older brothers. His brother Bill, who was 10 when Rick was born, fondly remembers holding baby Rick each afternoon while their mother got dinner ready. Rick's brother David, who was 5 when he was born, remembers that Rick often referred to him "big brother," and David called him "the musician," due to his early display of musical talent. Rick would playfully tease him about his lack of music ability, prompting David to remind him that he was a much better basketball player.

Rick loved the White Sox, Bears, and Blackhawks, and booed the Cubs. His passion for music led him to study piano, guitar, and music theory. Rick earned a master's degree in music theory at Eastern Illinois University and went on to teach music and direct choirs at both the college and high school levels and composed some music of his own. He also gave many guitar lessons over the years. It filled him with pride when he could help a student become a better player than himself. But his superpower was writing and performing parody songs, which were greatly entertaining at many parties and his daughter's wedding reception. He married Kellie Wendle in 1988, first charming her during their college days with his guitar playing, shameless flirting, and incredible sweetness, before sweeping her off her feet when they crossed paths again after college. Rick was the proud father of three amazing children, whom he loved with all his heart.

Rick spent his life caring for and loving his family, friends, and strangers. He enjoyed baffling people with the occasional prank, often quoted lines from one of the four movies he tolerated, and nothing could stop him from coming to help someone in need. He sought God and was unafraid of death. This world is a darker place without his smile, his unfailing kindness, and goofy sense of humor, but his spirit is one that can't be forgotten. We take comfort in knowing that he is at peace in the arms of his eternal Father now.

Rick was preceded in death by his beloved parents Robert & Pascaline Pauley, and his brother Robert Pauley Jr., affectionately known as R.A. He is mourned and deeply missed by all those he leaves behind, including his wife Kellie (née Wendle), his children Lindsey (Andy) Sukolowsky, Vincent (Holly) Pauley, and Stephen Pauley, his grandchildren Henry, Teddy, Nora, and baby Jack, who wasn't born in time to meet him, his brothers, Bill (Sandy) Pauley, and David (Beth) Pauley. Rick loved and was much loved in return by his wife's parents Frank & Dorothy Wendle, who thought of him like one of their own sons, and he was considered a bonus brother by her siblings, Chris (Krista) Wendle, Alan Wendle, Rick (Christina) Wendle and Cindy (Terry) Pollard. He adored his numerous nieces and nephews, Angelynn Marsden, Etta Pauley, Hannah Pauley, Devin (Chris) Canderan, Natalie (Hunter) West, Justin (Julia) Wendle, Braden Pollard, Zachary Pollard, and Maci Pollard. He made many dear friends during his life, and we know they miss him too.

Services for Rick will be held at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf funeral home in Godfrey, IL, with a visitation on March 13 from 4:00pm - 6:00 pm, and funeral services on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 am, followed by internment at St. Michael's Cemetery in Beltrees, IL.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations in Rick's memory to Food for the Poor (https://foodforthepoor.org), a non-profit organization that provides food, medicine, and shelter, among other services, to the poor in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.