Richard Welchko, Jr.

"Rick"

Age 73 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at his home.

Born March 5, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois, Richard Lambert was a son of Richard, Sr. and Shirley (Grimm) Welchko. He was raised and educated in Midlothian and graduated from Marist High School. Rick worked for Amtrak for thirty years as well as serving as the water operator for Lakewood Shores. He was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, serving with the Fr. George Kuzma Knights of Columbus Council #11149.

Rick enjoyed living in Lakewood Shores, with boating and rollerblading being some of his favorite pastimes. He was a skilled man, using his talents for construction on homes and his garage, and also working on old cars. Above all else, Rick was a family man who knew family came first. He loved being with his family, particularly his grandchildren who held a very special place in his heart. Rick's legacy of hard work and love of family will be remembered and treasured by all those who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Welchko, whom he married March 28, 1993; three children: Richard (Jaime) Welchko III of Oswego, IL, David (Tiffany) Welchko of Berwyn, IL, and John (Tanya) Welchko of Romeoville, IL; one step-son, Clint (Kimberly) Cogswell of Elwood, IL; six grandchildren: Christopher (Alexis) Welchko, Brandon (fiancé: Elizabeth) Welchko, Dana (David) Palan, Hannah Welchko, Paxton Welchko, and Lily Welchko; two brothers and two sisters: Sharon (the late Harold) Sanders of Wilmington, Don Welchko of Michigan, Wayne (Mary Ellen) Welchko of Frankfort, IL, and Karen (Charles) Goodell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington on November 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Wilmington. 

The family will be planning a Celebration of Rick’s Life in March to honor his birthday.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Rick's memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or Lightways Hospice. 

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Rick's memorial page via social media.

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