Richard C. Puls

Richard (“Dick”) Clarence Puls, age 80, of Des Plaines, passed away on December 26, 2023. He was born in Chicago on May 1, 1943, to the late Clarence and Gertrude (nee Cook) Puls. Richard married his late wife, Sylvia (nee Madalinski), in 1967. They are once again united in eternal life.

Richard was the loving father to Judy (Dave) Manning, Rich Puls, Donna (Levent) Turetgen, and David (Beth) Puls; devoted grandfather (“Papa”) to Richie, Emma, Neyla, Melisa, William, and Sam; cherished cousin to Nancy (nee Zern) Pavlick, dear brother-in-law to Susan (late Christopher) Puchalla; loved uncle to Jenny, Julie, Chris, and Dan; and adored cousin, friend, colleague, and neighbor to many.

Richard attended Queen of All Saints Elementary School in Chicago and Notre Dame High School in Niles. He graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree from Loyola University Chicago and subsequently, taught science at St. Viator High School. Ultimately, he spent the rest of his professional career as a senior level life insurance underwriter for a large firm in Chicago. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Zachary Parish, in Des Plaines, where he served in many ministries, including liturgy and finance planning, St. Vincent DePaul, and RCIA. He also served on the St. Zachary School Board, where all of his children, and his grandson, Sam, attended grade school.

In his free time, Richard enjoyed reading science fiction novels, studying the stock market, playing cards, listening to classical music, and napping with his dog, Duke. He loved spoiling his grandchildren and treating them to trips to the zoo, botanical gardens, arboretum, children’s museum, and, of course, a nice lunch out where they could choose anything off the menu.

Our Dad was a kind, sweet, gentle man. He was simple. He did his own yard work, he washed his own clothes, and much to the chagrin of Mom, often did his own plumbing repairs. He was a faithful Catholic and even chose the church altar as the spot to propose marriage to Mom. Although he was a man of few words, his heartfelt “Take it easy,” “Hang in there,” “Relax,” and “In 100 years no one will know the difference,” pieces of advice will be with us always. Thank you for everything Dad, and now it is your turn to “relax and take it easy.”

In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia are appreciated by the family.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 29, 2023 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60016. The funeral mass will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private