Richard G. Stephans

Richard G. Stephans passed away peacefully September 11, 2024 at Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, IL, after a hard-fought battle with myasthenia gravis and lung cancer. He was born May 19, 1947 in Oak Park, IL to Stanley and Hazel Stephans.

Rich was a veteran of the U.S. Army where he courageously fought in Vietnam. There he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat. He served as project manager for Abbott Laboratories for 30 years, where he oversaw the development of countless architectural projects. His dedication and integrity earned him numerous accolades as well as the respect of his co-workers, contractors, and laborers.

Rich was honored to be a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Fox River Valley Muskies Inc. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and vacationing, especially in his adored Northwoods of Wisconsin, and the tranquility of White Birch Lake.

Rich was a beloved partner, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his better half of 47 years, Nancy Lentsch; her children, Lynne (Keith) Gerstung and David (Sue) Lentsch; grandchildren, Daniel (Missy) Wurster, Jaclyn Wurster, Andrew (Jacque) Wurster, Kayla Lentsch, AJ Lentsch, Sara Gerstung, Michelle Gerstung; and great grandson, Nathen Masterson. Also survived by his cherished sister, Pamela Jean (late William) Strojny; nephews, David Richard (Lynn) and Daniel William (Natascha) Strojny; great nephews and niece, Jacob Daniel, Jonathan David, Joseph Charles, James Edmund, and Hailey June Strojny and Jaxsen Fox Pimental. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Terry and Dean.

Memorial visitation will be from 10am until the memorial service at 11am, Saturday October 26 at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America: www.myasthenia.org; or the Vietnam Veterans of America, vva.org/donate: or to The American Legion, www.legion.org