"Pat and Family. Since I was younger than most of the cousins, I do not have many memories except when we had family reunions in later years. I do know when talking to Richard at the reunions he had a love for his Lord and Savior. Praying God's care will bring you comfort, strength to grieve and the blessing of many beautiful memories."
In loving memory of
Richard Lich
November 19, 2015
Richard Lich entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior on October 8, 2015 at the age of 88.
He was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, the son of Edwin and Lenette Lich. He was a proud graduate of Washington University, St. Louis with a B.S. in Engineering and M.S. in Applied Science, and later, Harvard Business School. He then served in the United States Army in occupied Korea prior to the Korean Conflict. Richard married Patricia White on January 14, 1950 in St. Louis. They had three children: Richard Lich, Jr., Christine Lich Daniels and David Lich. He enjoyed a very successful executive career in the transportation products industry. Richard spent the first 20 years of his career with General Steel. During his time there he patented over 80 designs for railroad equipment. He eventually became President of General Steel. Richard completed his business career as President of Trackmobile. Richard traveled globally during his career and eventually retired to Quincy, IL. He was a dedicated lifelong member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and served in many volunteer positions including Stewardship and Lutheran Social Services. His confirmation verse was of lifelong importance to him: "Let the Word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3, 16). Richard was also an ardent artist and designer who enjoyed collecting various styles of art.
Richard liked his cars. They had to be sporty, have a big motor and be the color black. He kept them spotlessly clean and always parked away from other cars to avoid door dings. He also had a sweet tooth. No meal was ever complete without a dessert. He was never very talkative but when he spoke you wanted to listen. As Parkinson's affected him later in life he rarely spoke. But his sweet tooth still had a strong effect on him. He would almost always answer a greeting with the question "got candy?".
In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by three children: Richard (Suzanne) Lich, East Grand Rapids, MI, Chris (Bill) Daniels, Quincy, David (Kathryn) Lich, Wrightstown, WI; six grandchildren: Jonathan (Gina) Lich; Katherine (Scott) MacCallum; Lauren Daniels; Spencer (JoAnna) Daniels, Connor Daniels, and Jefferson (Noelle) Lich; three great-grandchildren: Samantha, Penelope and Violet MacCallum; one brother-in-law: Michael (Lynn) White; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his in-laws: Dennis and Wilma White; his brother: Vernon Lich; and his sister-in-law: Lucille Lich Klienberg.
Richard will be interred at New Bethlehem Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Louis after a family graveside ceremony.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, Quincy is assisting the family with the burial.
Memorial donations may be directed in his name to Lutheran Social Services, Parkinson's disease Foundation and Washington University, St. Louis.
The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sunset Nursing Home and Blessing Hospital, Quincy, IL for the compassionate care he received from their dedicated and professional staff.
Tributes
"Dear Pat and Family, I remember Dick Lich -- professing Christian, led others to know Christ as their Savior, used his corporate acumen to project the ministry of Village Lutheran Church, Ladue, Missouri, supportive of his pastor, dear friend. Our risen Lord be with you in the strength of His resurrection for comfort and hope. In Him, Pastor Richard H. Warneck"
"I had the honor of working for Dick for 4 years at General Steel, during which time I spoke with, and my wife and I met socially with, Pat on several occasions. They were both wonderful people. The St. Louis region misses both of them."