Obituary of Richard Kenneth Liess
Richard K. “Dick” Liess
Richard K. “Dick” Liess, passed away at the age of 93, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at his home in Joliet. Dick was born on January 4, 1932, the son of the late Frank and Agnes (nee Fricke) Liess. A longtime resident of Joliet, he was a graduate of Joliet Township High School and attended Illinois Institute of Technology. Dick spent his entire working career as a dedicated employee at Caterpillar. He started as a factory line worker. Dick’s strong work ethic and dedication led him to work his way up to a position as Department Head in charge of Quality Control. His career took him from Joliet to Peoria and Decatur, Illinois, as well as many work related trips to countries around the world.
Dick enjoyed playing golf, building furniture, and doing home remodeling projects at his and his children’s homes. Dick was a master groundskeeper, always having the best-looking lawn in the neighborhood.
Dick is survived by his three devoted daughters, Jacquelyn (Craig) Spiers, Jill Lynn (Steve) Korelc, and Jody Renee (Roger) Stoneberg; grandchildren, Richard Spiers, Jaime Kapellas, Ryan (Jessica) Stoneberg, Jason (Rebekah) Stoneberg, Lisa Stoneberg, and Jonathon (Annie) Korelc; and his great-grandchildren, Kameron and Keaton Kapellas, Liam and Jacob Stoneberg, Madeleine, Ellie, Reid and Grayson Stoneberg, and Davis and Rory Korelc. Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Liess; his parents; and his sisters, Norma Scheidt and Sally Palmer.
Visitation for Richard K. “Dick” Liess will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery in Joliet.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL, 60431.
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.
