Richard W. Engelbrecht Jr.

Richard William Engelbrecht, Jr. passed away on September 5, 2021 at 7:58 am at OSF in Peoria, IL. Rick was 49, and although his desire was to live his life to the fullest here on this earth, there is no doubt that Rick is rejoicing right now at being in the presence of God, who Rick loved with his whole heart.

Rick was born on June 24, 1972 in Peoria, IL to Richard William Engelbrecht Sr. and Judith Elaine Campbell. He is survived by his mom, Judy, (Pekin, IL), his son, Joshua Ryan Engelbrecht (Phoenix, AZ), his ex-wife, Deanne Engelbrecht (Coal Valley, IL), and his sisters, Mindy, Jackee, and Cheryl (Pekin, IL). Rick is also survived by the dear friends he lived with during his illness - Suzanne Chave, Jocelyn Weber, and Abby and Noah Weber (Peoria, IL). Rick is also survived by more dear friends than anyone could ever possibly count. The depth of our loss is a true testament to the life of love and loyalty and kindness Rick led. He touched people everywhere he went, and you knew instantly that you had never met or known anyone like Rick.

Rick graduated from Peoria Electrical Trade School as an Electronic Technician in 2003. He started working at Christenberry Systems and Alarm Company in Pekin, IL in June of 2002, where he was the Senior Project Manager and Lead Technician. Rick truly loved his job and was amazing at it. Rob Christenberry and Wes Edwards were like family to Rick. They were a great blessing to him, and in turn, Rick gave them and the company his all.

Rick was an amazing photographer, and it was a joy to see the world through Rick’s eyes as he looked through the camera lens. He was also an amazing and talented woodworker who could build anything you could imagine. Rick loved to ride his Harley and was so proud that he finally owned the bike he had always dreamed of owning. A highlight of Rick’s life was renting a motorcycle and driving it up the Pacific Coast Highway in CA. One of Rick’s favorite things was to go hiking and camping with Josh. He loved attending the Drummond Annual Fish Fry and Terpening Palooza, which were family events that he looked forward to all year long. Anyone who knew Rick was also aware of his deep and enduring love of goats - especially fainting goats. Friends from all over would send Rick goat videos, and he would watch them over and over. Rick was a coach who had nothing but encouragement for the young athletes he worked with. Rick had an incredible faith in God and attended church at Northwoods Community Church, where he helped out with the 3rd and 4th graders, who absolutely adored him. Rick’s life verse was Joshua 1:9. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Rick was hilarious and loyal, gentle and humble. He celebrated other people’s lives and achievements and helped people be the best version of themselves. Rick truly was the kindest man we have ever known. He loved life and loved everybody in it.

Services for Rick will be held at Northwoods Community Church in the chapel at 5 pm on Friday, September 10, 2021. During this time, there will be a service, officiated by Pastor Dave Bucknam, with time following to visit with family and friends. Rick’s family is in charge of service arrangements.

Memorial donations to help with expenses may be made at the service or mailed to Suzanne Chave at 5400-A W War Memorial Dr. Peoria, IL 61615.

We mourn the loss of Rick, but we celebrate his new life with God. At the same time, it is true that each of us cannot wait until the day we get to see Rick’s face and smile, hear him laugh again, and know that we don’t have to miss him anymore.