Richard Wendling

Richard "Rich" R. Wendling of Rich’s Auto Service in Sugar Grove, age 74, of Yorkville, passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family following a short but fierce battle with cancer, Wednesday, December 22, 2004. BORN He was born on November 24, 1930 the son of Arthur J. and Elva (Rink) in Warrenville, IL. CHILDHOOD Rich grew up on various farms that his father worked on throughout the area. He attended Faxon Rd. School for a time before his family moved to Yorkville where he finished his education. Following graduation, Rich worked various jobs before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Rich returned to civilian life and worked at his future father-in-law’s Texaco station in Yorkville. MARRIED In June of 1957 Carol Calabrese was united in marriage to Rich at the Church of St. Mary in Plano. They began their new life together by settling down and building their own home in Yorkville where they have since made their home for over 47 years. In 1959, Rich and Carol went into business for themselves and, through the years, operated several gas stations in area communities including Sandwich, Oswego and the Texaco gas station in Sugar Grove which Rich and Carol operated from 1964-1982. That same year they bought and built Rich’s Auto Service where they were joined by their son, Russ. Together they worked side, loving the work and sharing the load. For many years, several four-footed companions were part of the "station family" as well. Rich had a fondness for German Shepherds. Each of them brought their own special personality to the "ambiance" of the station. "King" caught bottle caps, "Luger" loved to ride and "Boss" was the tennis ball champ. Later, Smokie and Trooper came on board as the vigilant "defenders" of Rich’s Auto Service. LIFE NOTES He as a man of dedication and service to his family. He always quietly supported Carol, Pam and Russ in all their endeavors, while his own remained secondary. He was close to a few people but to those he was a thoughtful, insightful and caring man. Rich possessed wisdom, a clarity of thought and a perspective of the world that few had the privilege to perceive. Even in his final months, his greatest concern was the strain his illness created on his family and not on himself. This is only fitting because this is the way Rich lived his entire life. SURVIVORS He now leaves his son Russ (Kim) Wendling and their children Kaitlyn and Anna, of Kaneville, IL;One daughter Pam (Pat) Herbert and their children Chris, Kelly, and Alexandra of Hinckley;Two brothers:Allan and David Wendling,Five sisters:Kathleen Baliman, Dolly FlaggGrace McKirganMarjorie Wendling Carol LaGow;Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends. PRECEDED He now joins his parents, his wife CarolTwo sons, Richard and Steven who died in infancy. One sister Darleen Everett, who preceded him in death. VISITATION/SERVICE Friends may call at Conley Funeral Home, 116. W. Pierce St., Elburn, Sunday, December 26, from 11-1:30p.m. with a funeral service to follow visitation at 2 p.m. Rev. Ric Magtanong, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church, Kaneville, will officiate and interment will follow at St. Pat’s Cemetery, Bristol. MEMORIALS In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. For more information and full obituary details, please call 1-800-8-CONLEY or visit conleycare.com.

MEMORIALS In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.