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BORN
1943
DIED
2024
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Richard Mutz Obituary
Born: April 29, 1943 in Joliet, IL
Died: January 16, 2024 in Joliet, IL
Richard C. Mutz
"Rick"
Age 80 of Crest Hill, passed away peacefully after a three-year fight against Glioblastoma, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.
Born April 29, 1943 in Joliet, Rick was a son of Jerry and Mary (Gregorash) Mutz. He was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School with the class of 1961. Following graduation, Rick was drafted by the United States Army to proudly serve his country during the conflict in Vietnam.
Rick worked for Caterpillar as a welder until retiring after 35 dedicated years. He was a devout Catholic and longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, as well as a longtime member of the Moran A.C. and KSKJ. In his free time, he enjoyed going on fishing trips up north, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, and most of all being with his family, especially his grandchildren. Rick will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but never forgotten.
Rick is survived by his wife: Frances (Smrekar) Mutz; son: Richard M. Mutz; daughter: Brigitte (Jim) Oetter; grandchildren: Jocelyn, Gunner, and Roxanne Oetter; sisters: Evelyn (the late Albert) Pagnusat, and Jeanette (the late Val) Ogary, and sister-in-law: Patricia Mutz
He is preceded in death by his parents: Jerry and Mary; sister: Frances (the late Edward) Cepiel, and brother: Jerry Mutz.
Per Rick's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
The family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation on Monday, January 22, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial which will begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N Chicago Street in Joliet. A private interment will follow and Rick will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in Rick's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Lightways Hospice Care.
Obituary and tribute wall for Rick is available at www.tezakfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Mutz
Sponsored by Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life - Joliet.
2 Entries
Tim Drendel
January 22, 2024
Very sorry to read about your uncle Richard, Jerry. May he rest in peace. God Bless Richard and y'all.
DAVID K KOZLOWSKI
January 21, 2024
I met Rick around 1960 when we both hung around Malnars tavern with a group of guys our age. We were close buddies until 1966 when I moved out of state for 8 years. Just the wekend before Rick was to report in to the Army I took him to Moran A C for a final send-off. The other men around the bar learned that he was soon to report for active duty and began to buy us shots and beers. I had a date with my future wife that night that I never made and I still don't know how
Rick survived.
We both graduated from high school in 1961. To celebrate we spent a week in a rented cottage fishing on Silver Lake in Wautoma, WI.
Rick was home on leave from the service when I got married. I still remember the smile on his face when he caught the garter at the wedding reception.
WE lost touch for years but got together about 20 years ago. We emailed frequently and met at St. Joes Park for the picnics and fish fries during lent and occasionally at Christmas. We did a Canadian fly-in fishing trip in 2010 which he told me was the most sucessful one he had ever been on. I am so gled I had a chance to visit and say goodbye the day before this past Thanksgiving.
God bless you Rick, for your friendship and wonderful memories. I still miss that hot 1958 Chevy convertible.
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Memorial Events
for Richard Mutz
Jan
16
Funeral services provided by:
Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life - Joliet1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL 60435
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