Rick Perez, 67 of Ottawa passed away peacefully with his four favorite girls by his side.
He was born on December 4, 1952, in DePue, Illinois to Ray and Mary [Ortiz]Perez. A
lifelong Ottawa resident, he loved our small town and cherished his friendships from his
neighborhood, grade school, high school, and throughout his lifetime. Rick was a union
laborer with Local 393 and then employed at Exelon Nuclear Station beginning in 1990.
Rick worked at the LaSalle, Braidwood, and Dresden Stations until his retirement in
2014. Rick’s love of basketball started at a young age, and he played throughout his
school career. It continued in the 1980’s when he and Rusty Wells coached the St.
Columba Boys Basketball Team. Rick was recently inducted into the Marquette High
School Hall of Fame as a member of the 1969-1971 Basketball Team, where he was a
point guard.
Rick married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Lori Hannigan on
September 8,1973. They were married for over 46 years. They enjoyed spending time
with their family, antiquing, traveling all over but mostly to what they considered their
second home, Cape Cod.
Rick’s proudest days were spent traveling all over to watch his daughter Carrie
compete in gymnastics and cheering on Allison with basketball. His continued support
carried on through every aspect of their lives. Rick’s world got even brighter when his
granddaughter Parker was born. They were the best of friends, breakfast and lunch
buddies and ever present at any dance or school program.
Rick was an avid music lover and a lifelong Beatles fan. His desire to share his love of
music with others led him to pursue a new business endeavor; Rick launched his DJ
career as the owner of Musical Memories. He was a music committee member for the
City of Ottawa’s RiverFest, on the committee for United Way at Exelon, he helped found
the Shepherd Parents’ Club, and was also a committee member for the Marquette High
School Class of 1971 Reunion. Rick was a member of St. Francis and St. Columba
Church and was a strong believer in his Catholic faith. He was also a diehard Chicago
Cubs and Bears fan. Most importantly, Rick made many lifelong friends and he was
considered the leader of the band.
Rick is survived by his wife Lori; daughters, Carrie (Mike) Poundstone and Allison
Perez, granddaughter, Parker Jayne Poundstone; father, Ray Perez; sisters Monica
(George) Hall and Laura (Steve) Loughridge all of Ottawa; his Uncles, Dr. Phil Ortiz (
the late Gay Ortiz) of Morris and Dave Ortiz ( the late Ruby Ortiz) of Ottawa;
sisters-in-law, Sharon (Dennis) Rossiter and Linda Anselme and his favorite pup,
Whitney.
Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Benito and Juana Ortiz; his mother
Mary Perez; his mother and father-in law, George and Jayne Hannigan; his sister-in-law
Glena Miller; his brother-in law, William Anselme; his aunts; Jesse Ribas, Felicites
Mannrriquez, and Roberta Salinas; his uncles Phil and Robert Perez; and Dick, Tony,
and Danny Ortiz, who he considered his brothers.
We would like to give a special thanks to Father Kipfer, Linn VanDuzer, Dr. K., Dr. Z.,
Dan, Lori, Nicole and their staff, Vitas Hospice Center and, especially, our family and
friends.
Pallbearers will be Jack Abernathy, Rusty Wells, Doug Lacke, Pat Mooney, John
Murphy, Joey Rivera, Tim Ortiz, Dennis Rossiter, Jamie Kummer, Mike Poundstone,
and Michael Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Loughridge, Sally Jameson,
Larry Mayhall, Mike Ribas, Marsha Perez-Piqula, Dan Eilts, Mike Jarigese,Alfred and
Lawrence Manriquez, Parker Poundstone, and Hadley Armstrong.
Private family services will be held with burial at St. Columba Cemetery. A celebration
of a life well lived will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family to
be distributed to local charities of their choice. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is
assisting with arrangements. To share a memory please visit
www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker on Facebook.