Obituary of Richard Rex Studer
Richard Rex Studer, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Joliet Area Community Hospice, with his family by his side. Richard was a lifelong Joliet resident. He was born on March 30, 1927, to the union of Edward and Mary (nee Siesser) Studer. Richard attended St. Bernard Catholic School and Joliet Catholic High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country during WWII. Upon returning, he married the love of his life, Loretta Elizabeth Ulrich, in 1951 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Joliet. He was a devout Catholic and could be seen sitting in the 4th pew at St. Bernard every week.
Richard worked at several local companies, including E.J. & E Railroad, Mississippi Valley Barge Line, and as a Construction Laborer with Local 75. He was also a Train Conductor at the Joliet Arsenal. When the Arsenal closed, he went on to the Joliet School District, where he retired as a custodian.
Richard was a self taught man; there wasn’t anything you could ask him that he didn’t know the answer to. His clever mind could never be stumped by a crossword puzzle. When he wasn't earning a living and taking care of his family, he could be found on any day of the week playing golf. He took great pride in his golf game and was very competitive throughout the area. Known as a "Legend" at Woodruff Golf Course, he had a hole-in-one on each par 3 and an eagle on each par 4. His love of the sport coupled with his competitive nature led him to adjust his back swing so he could practice in his living room while watching the Chicago Blackhawks and White Sox. Above all, Richard was a family man who instilled strong values in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his children, Rebecca Studer, Ted (Shirlee) Studer, Mike (Barbara) Studer, Frank (Mary) Studer, and Sam (Kelly) Studer; his two daughters-in-law, Barbara Studer and Kerry Studer; one sister, Ethyle Riley; 10 grandchildren, Christopher, Dennis, Melissa (August), Danielle (Adam), Bill (Beth), Denise (Lee), Jennifer (Brett), Jim, Katie, and Ben; his three great-grandchildren, Marty, Raven, and August; his dear friends, Cathy DeCamp and Mr. &Mrs. David Au; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded by his parents; his loving wife of 63 years, Loretta (nee Ulrich) (2014); his sons, Tom (2016), Bill (1975), and Jim (1992); his six brothers, Edward, George, Harvey, Anthony, Bernard, and Earl; and three sisters, Alberta, Vera, and Marie.
Funeral Services for Richard Rex Studer will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL, to St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1301 Sterling Ave., Joliet, IL, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. Visitation will be held on Monday from 8-10 a.m. at the funeral home. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
