Richard "Dick" Temple

Richard "Dick" Temple passed away peacefully at Sunrise of Westmont, and entered his eternal home on September 9, 2025.

Dick was born on May 9, 1935 in Clinton Iowa, to Margaret Witt and Henry Temple. He was very much a people person and began his career in sales with National Cash Register (NCR). From there he moved to Chicago, Illinois and started a 40-year career working the commuter and freight lines on the Burlington Northern Railroad (BNSF). Along with working the rails, Dick spent many years as Treasurer of the local United Transportation Union 171, he served as President and Treasurer for the neighborhood homeowners association and spent years working on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade. His strong work ethic was evident in all of his commitments.

Dick built many lifelong relationships from his career on the railroad, including where he met his wife, Irene. Married 43 years and their marriage was blessed with two sons, Ryan (Kristin) Temple and Justin Temple. He became lovingly known as Papa to Quinn and Cohen Temple. He is survived by them as well as his children from his first marriage, David, Brian (Catherine), Michael (Cathy), Catherine Gee, and Derek (Mina). He is also survived by his many grandchildren: Calynd (Ryan) Ford, Riley Gee; Chance, Chayce and Cayden Temple; and Elyana and Stephen Temple. Dick is preceded in death by his brother Robert Temple.

Dick raised his family in Aurora, Illinois where they became members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois in 1987. He had a strong faith and was very active in serving and volunteering in many capacities throughout the years of his membership. He truly enjoyed the fellowship he found there.

Despite his many responsibilities, he always made time for his family and his passions. One of Dick's main interests and hobbies was travel. He enjoyed traveling the world with his family, learning about different cultures, and harvesting lifelong memories. He was a kind, warm soul and never knew a stranger, which came in handy in his global expeditions. He also enjoyed reading, working on puzzles, table tennis, and a good game of cribbage, though the rules of the game would often vary to work in his favor!

Dick was particularly passionate about his volunteer work at Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to food packaging to reach underprivileged communities globally - his passion for this organization was contagious and he enjoyed sharing it with all.

For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Richard's life, memorial donations may be directed to: Feed My Starving Children @ www.fmsc.org.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Richard Temple on Friday, October 24, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1310 Shepherd Dr., Naperville, 60565. Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 am with Pastor Gary Olson officiating the funeral service at 10:00 am. There will be a reception in the church cafe immediately following. Interment will be private.