Richard E. Stasack

Richard “Rich” Stasack, 84, passed away January 16th, 2025. Rich was born March 8th, 1940 to his parents Clarence and Edna Stasack. Well loved as an only child and with a penchant for mischief he carried with him his whole life, Rich grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, starting in Oak Park before moving to River Grove. He met his beautiful wife Bonnie (neé Bradle) at the Atlantic dart bar and restaurant in 1980 and married September 13th, 1981 surrounded by friends and family. Bonnie and Richard went on to have two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel. Although we firmly believe that his most favorite person was his adored granddaughter Aislinn, whom she affectionately called “Gampy”.

He worked nearly 40 years as a Sears service repair man, traveling all over Chicago and its suburbs. He enjoyed reveling in the memories of the different homes he would visit and the people he would meet, and especially pointing out which houses he had been in whenever he would pass them. Richard was also a deeply religious man as a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church and made it a point for decades to attend church every Sunday and religious holidays. He was a man that could fix practically anything, with an intelligent and scientific mind. His wit and humor almost couldn’t contain itself whenever he was around company and loved ones. Richard enjoyed building, as is evident when he ventured to build an entire cabin in the woods in Brigsville, WI. He had dabbled in hunting and would take his daughters fishing. Most of the time, however, his favorite activity was sitting and playing crossword puzzles, with his lime green color GameBoy, or surfing the web with a movie—whether it was action, sci-fi, fantasy, horror or even a screwball comedy—going on in the background, and usually sneaking a sweet snack or candy. Rich was also very proud of his army training background and always carried the honor of being a patriot his whole life. Richard was drafted for the army, firmly saying, “If they want me, they can come get me.” And they did. He kept the spirit of a stern soldier in his heart as well. He also had a deep fondness for dogs, although sometimes he didn’t like to show it. He has chosen to be buried with Boris and Brutus, the dachshund brothers he affectionately initially called “those f***ing puppies,” only to find both of them sleeping on his chest the next morning because they were both crying the first night they were brought home. 

Later in life, Richard leaned even more into his faith and became a Steven’s Minister and would go to give communion to those who were unable to leave their house and chose to bring peace, comfort and the word of God to those in need.

Richard was the epitome of a hard shell exterior with a marshmallow inside, with the hard shell dissipating more and more the older he got. He was a loving father that demonstrated this by having mini parties with Rebecca and Rachel while Bonnie attended PTA meetings that began with an exciting walk to the convenient store where the girls were very seriously told, “Don’t step on the stink fish!” while he stood on the representative “sink fish” that was the sidewalk stamp, making his girls erupt into giggles. Richard was truly a playful kid at heart. He also showed his gentleness when he would even brush his daughter’s hair before school. That caring and thoughtfulness carried on to his granddaughter where he would continue to not just brush her hair as needed too, but always walk her to school when she was little, and bring her snacks when he would buy some for himself. He showed his love for her by putting much thought into what present he wanted to get her, especially when it emphasized continuing education and always spoke so endearingly of her. Though he was not the type of man to share his feelings open and outright, he quietly showed his love and support with interest, compassion, care, and a quiet giving that could go unseen by those who didn’t know him well enough. Truly, he will always be remembered warmly and fondly for his kindness and love.

Richard is survived by his wife Bonnie, his eldest daughter Sharon from his first marriage to Marilyn, his two daughters with Bonnie; Rebecca and Rachel and his granddaughter Aislinn.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a, 11

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die[…] He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart