Richard J. Worman

Richard J. Worman, 92 of Effingham, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Friday, February 27, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with a 6:30 pm Knights of Columbus rosary and Fourth Degree service. Memorial donations may be given to St. Anthony Church, St. Anthony Schools, or Fear Nothing.

Richard was born January 26, 1934 in Jasper County, the son of Albert H. and Amelia M. (Probst) Worman. He married Pauline Ruholl on April 21, 1956 and she preceded him in death in 2024. Richard was a beloved presence in the Effingham community, sharing joy as Santa Claus for more than 30 years. As a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1960, Richard served as Grand Knight in 1968 and was honored with induction into the Knights of Columbus Hall of Fame in 1990. He generously supported the Knights of Columbus Newman Fund for over 40 years, and in 1999 achieved a remarkable state record by recruiting 169 century donors. He retired from Effingham Builders Supply after 29 dedicated years of service. His commitment to faith, charity, and community service leaves a lasting legacy.

Richard is survived by his sons, Bob (Carletta), and Dennis (Lori); daughter, Carla (John) Kaufman; grandchildren, Brett Heuerman, DeDe (Josh) McElravy, Tiffany (Mike) Worman, Bobby (Jessie) Worman, Brianne (Daniel) Carter, Taylor (Paige) Worman, Chelsea (Andy) Glosser, Chad (Kayla) Kaufman, and Caitlin Kaufman; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Lohman; sisters-in-law, Marcie Kruger and Kathy Niebrugge; brother-in-law, Joe Huber.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; wife; his father and mother-in-law, Alphonse and Clara Ruholl; son, Ronald G. "Ron" Worman; daughter, Deborah Kay "Debbie" Worman; in-laws, Fred Lohman, Phil Niebrugge, Dolores & Clarence Vogt, Gary Kruger, Mary Ann Huber, and Joe & Carol Ruholl.

Richard's family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Heartland Senior Living, HSHS St. Anthony, and Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for the care that was given to him over the course of his illness.