Richard “Dick” Fricke, 92, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Ottawa Pavilion surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Crossbridge Community Church, with Pastor Harold Flach officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, and at the church, one hour prior to the service, on Monday.
Dick was born in his parents’ farmhouse on March 2, 1933, in Cass County, Illinois, to Homer and Renata (Lovekamp) Fricke. He graduated from Arenzville High School in 1951. It was on that family farm where Dick developed his strong work ethic and the values that guided him throughout his life.
After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and completed aviation mechanic training at the Naval Air School in California. He served in the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic. Following his tour of duty in the US Navy, he earned a degree in Industrial Arts from Western Illinois University and began his teaching career in Havana, Illinois where he taught industrial arts. He had his high school coaching career launched at Havana High School with the boys’ football and basketball teams. It was during that time that he raised his first two children, Rodney and Beth, born during his first marriage (Melba Mason).
In 1966, Dick moved to Ottawa to teach at Ottawa Township High School. He met Mary Ann Watts at OTHS, and they were married on July 30, 1977, at First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa. Not long after, Dick sketched the plans for their family home on a napkin and with the help of some friends and his son, he proudly built it himself on the Watts’ Family Farm.
Though he had already raised two children, Dick and Mary Ann wanted to be parents together. They adopted two young biological sisters, Sherry (4) and Rhonda (3), completing their family.
At OTHS, Dick was known for wearing many hats and wearing them well. He was a passionate welding teacher and also taught driver’s education, giving countless teens their first experience behind the wheel. He coached boys’ basketball and girls’ track, and in honor of his commitment to student athletics, OTHS named an invitational track meet The Fricke Relays. Later in his career, he also taught math at OTHS and then welding at Streator High School, as well as welding courses at Illinois Valley Community College.
Retirement from OTHS in 1993 didn’t slow him down. Dick continued to serve others in every season of his life. He drove a student with special needs from Ottawa to New Lenox and ended up teaching there, too. He volunteered for countless projects as a leader and house captain for United Way and Labor of Love. In the summer, he volunteered for LaSalle County 4-H program. Dick faithfully served meals and shared stories with residents at PADS, the local homeless shelter. He especially loved preparing and serving Burgoo in Utica and often returned to his hometown of Arenzville for their annual Burgoo festival.
He rarely missed morning coffee with his many retired friends—he had four different groups! And no matter how busy he was helping others, he always made time for his family, especially his nephews and grandchildren.
Dick was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association, LaSalle County Farm Bureau, Oglesby American Legion, and Trinity Lutheran Church. He lived a life of humble service, generous love, and deep purpose. His legacy will live on in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by three children: Rodney (Julie) Fricke of Sacramento, CA; Sherry Medellin of Laredo, TX; and Rhonda (Brad) Johnson of Ottawa; ten grandchildren: Samantha (Jaime) Thompson, Hannah Krug, Emily (Andru) Backos, Luke Johnson, Sarah Chaves, Sophia Garcia, Riley and Taylor Fricke, Blas and Emilio Medellin; and four great-grandchildren: Victoria and Hailey Brown, Alexzander Early, and Riley Grace Backos. Dick will also be missed by his family that lives on the family farm in South Ottawa: his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty and Rob Angus as well as his brother-in-law, Steve Spencer of Louisville, KY. He leaves behind his nephews and their families: Brad, Julie, Nick and Tyler Angus of Ottawa, IL, Jason, Audrey, Alex and Theo Angus of Piper City, IL, Tim, Dianna, Gabriel, Miguel and Emma Wachtel of Huachuca City, AZ, and Tom, Eliza, Anthony and Mateo Wachtel of Highland Park, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Ann; his sister and brother-in-law Althea and Dave Carls; his daughter, Beth (Fricke) Krug, and his sister-in-law, Linda Spencer.
Pallbearers will be his nephews: Brad, Jason, Tyler, and Nick Angus, Tom Wachtel, and his grandson, Luke Johnson.
Memorials may be directed to the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433