Richard Seibert

"Rich"

Age 83 of Diamond, Illinois died unexpectedly on Friday morning, November 10, 2023, at Morris Hospital.

Born October 26, 1940, in Livingston, Montana, Richard William was a son of James Peter and Catherine Edith (Ryan) Seibert. He was raised in Minnesota before moving to Harvey, Illinois at the age of 15. Like his father, Rich was a great storyteller like when he was in third grade and received a pocket watch for Christmas.  He kept looking at the watch during class and the teacher took it from him until school let out in June.  Not his favorite teacher.

Rich was a driven man having worked hard to provide for his family, and he was always there to provide financial support to anyone that needed help. His work ethic, which was instilled from a young age growing up in a poor family, began from planting potatoes and detasseling corn. He went on to work 40 years on CSX Railroad while working 20 years construction.  One week after retirement he became a school bus driver, which he enjoyed very much, for another 20 years until he became sick and ended up on oxygen 24/7.  Rich sure missed his bus, seeing the kids and going to Wilmington sports games. He was an avid spectator at the Wilmington High School varsity football games for many years.

Rich enjoyed spending time with his family and the grandchildren by taking many long vacations. In addition, when his grandchildren needed a safe harbor, a place to grow up, he and Renee took them in. He may have only had four girls of his own but was blessed to raise both children and grandchildren alike.

He was proud to have been to every state except Hawaii and said when they build a bridge he’ll drive there.  Rich’s favorite games were Rummicube and double deck Pinochle. He had a talent for counting cards and always knew what others held in their hand.

Having to say goodbye to this man is undoubtedly a difficult task, however Rich knew the secret to handling times when his plate was full, and that was to ask God for a bigger plate. Rich’s plate was full of blessings both large and small. May his memory be eternal to all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his loving wife Jackie (nee Mottinger); his caring daughters:  Jeanette Petrovich, Roxanne (Mike) Guadagno, Lisa (Aubrey) Glisson and Juliet (Brian) Howerton; Stepchildren: Brian (Jesse) Seibert, David (Lynn) Seibert, Dwayne (Kim) Seibert and Alison (Jim) Falcioni; Grandchildren:  Eddie (Kristen) Petrovich, Ruby Petrovich, Felicia (Brent) Barringer, Allen (Maggie) Gonski, Ian (Makala) Petrovich, Laura Gonski, Brianna Howerton, Christian Howerton, Karen Gonski, Kilynn Glisson, Maraya Glisson, McKinley Glisson, Taryn (Kevin) Haas, Lisa (Rob) Brigham, Ben Guadagno and Jenny (Chris) Bement; Great Grandchildren:  Logan Petrovich, Edie Petrovich, Nadia Lindner, Kinzie Molle, Barrett and Parker Barringer; two brothers: Charles Seibert and Bob (Linda) Seibert, and one sister, Pat Hop, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 50 years Renee (nee Logan) whom he married on September 24, 1960, and preceded him on July 12, 2011; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Burt and Ruby Logan and a grandchild, Michael “Mick” Gonski.

Cremations rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, November 16, 2023, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Services will follow on Friday morning, November 17, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with Deacon Jay Plese from St. Rose Catholic Church presiding.

Rich will be laid in rest in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington with his late wife, Renee.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rich’s memory to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Rich’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)