Final Salute

Richard Kobus passed away at the age of 99 on November 4, 2024 surrounded by loved ones both in presence and in thought. Richard was born in Chicago, the son of John and Anna (nee Kucharik) Kobus.

As a young adult he joined the Navy, serving in the Naval Construction Battalion known as the Seabees. His served primarily in the South Pacific during World War II. Upon his return stateside, he attended DePaul University and then married his love, Evelyn Kula. Richard and Evelyn were married for 63 years, raising five children together. Evelyn preceded him in her death on May 13, 2012.

As a young father, Richard was an entrepreneur in the brick business. His company supplied the brick for Josh Muss developments, such as Winston Park in Palatine, and for many other Muss developments in the suburbs of Chicago. Later in his career, Richard was involved in construction, development and commercial real estate.

A multi-dimensional man, he loved and appreciated people, friendships, theater, musicals and fishing. He treasured nature and was especially fond of horticulture – grafting saplings, growing trees from seeds and cultivating flowers and herbs. Sometimes all of this occurred in his living room! He had a voracious appetite for knowledge, which he satisfied through reading. With any of his interests, he always placed a special emphasis on doings things “his way.”

He loved celebrating his family’s life events. Toasts with MGD and “shooters” (alias, “heart medicine”) will be missed by all of his family, friends and everyone who happened to connect with him. Beloved husband of the late Evelyn (nee Kula), loving father of Susan (Mike) Savitzky, Dale (James Jr.) Risley, Richard L. (Julia) Kobus, Donna Mandel and Gary (Kate) Kobus. Cherished grandfather of Mike Jr., Jennifer, Nick, Allison, Kristin, James III, Katie, Julia, Alexandra, Jason, Jared, Jack, Andrew and Brandon. Proud “Super Papa” of 23 great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Loving uncle of his nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:00am to 10:30am on November 11, 2024 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 120 N. Ela Street, Barrington, Illinois. Mass will follow from 10:30am to 11:30am at St. Anne’s. Family and friends are invited to meet at 12:30pm at the cemetery office of St. Adalbert Cemetery, 6800 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, Illinois, for procession to the graveside service and interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in Richard’s name, to Tunnel to Towers (his favorite charity). For info, 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com.

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Published by Daily Herald on Nov. 10, 2024.