Obituary of Richard I. Ulekowski
Richard I. Ulekowski, age 86 passed away May 31, 2021 at home with family by his side.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Janet (nee Aschenbach), his four children, Richard W. (Brenda) Ulekowski Jr; Deanna (Mike) Terrafino; Barb (Mike) Molinaro; and Dane Ulekowski. His beloved grandchildren, Angela Terrafino, Nicholas (Melissa) Molinaro; Amanda (Donald Hurst) Terrafino; Michael R. Terrafino; Annie (Paul Brom) Molinaro; Delaney Ulekowski; April Ulekowski; Hailey (Andrew) Fusco; Katie Ulekowski, and two great-grandchildren, Owen and Constantino (and two more currently on their way); two brothers, Robert Wroblewski and Paul (and the late Claudia) Wroblewski. Several nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents Walter J. (Emily Cira) Ulekowski Sr; Myrtle (Roman) Wroblewski and brothers, Walter J. (and the late Yoshiko) Ulekowski, Jr., Gerald (Rosie) Wroblewski, and Mike Wroblewski.
Richard was born in 1934 in Milwaukee, WI. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952 and trained/worked at Ft. Sheridan, Camp Gordon, Ft. Jackson, Ft. Bliss, A.P.G., Air Defense Missile Sites Mundeline and Addison, IL and retired his 31 years of combined service with the Illinois Army National Guard Company D (Maintenance) 108th Support Battalion, Chicago, IL as Chief Warrant Officer 2, and Combined Support Maintenance Shop IL ARNG, North Riverside, IL.
His passion was small arms. He competed for the IL ARNG and Winfield Scott Pistol Teams. He was the first Illinois National Guardsman awarded the Distinguished Gold Pistol Badge (1979). He proudly displayed the Governor's Twenty. He was a life member of the NRA, ISRA and part of the ISRA Executive Board for a number of years serving as President 1981-1983. He received the Krueger Award for outstanding Legislative Achievement (1982), and was a proud member of the American Legion.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Edward Hines, V.A. Medical Center for their outstanding care and dedication to the health and well-being of our country's service members.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Richard's name to the ISRA Legislative or Legal Assistance Fund to help protect the Second Amendment. P.O. Box 637, Chatsworth, IL 60921. More information at ISRA.org or call 815-635-3198.
Visitation for Richard Ulekowski will be Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at 7:00 pm. A closing prayer will take place Wednesday, June 9, 2021 at 9:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
