Richard Studebaker

Richard "Dick" Studebaker, 71 of Winthrop Harbor, IL ascended into eternity meeting his Savior while surrounded by family on November 7, 2014. Dick was born in Zion September 20, 1943 to Gladys (Kesler) and John Studebaker. He graduated High School in 1961 from Western Military Academy in Alton, IL later serving in the Air Force from 1964-1968. He retired from Benton Township as Assessor in 2005 after serving 20 years; has held previous employment at Paxton Insurance and as a Royal Crown Cola Distributor. His past and current memberships include Lions Club, VFW, Moose Club, American Legion, Safeside Association and the Studebaker Family National Association. During retirement he volunteered at VBS, Awana, The Zion Passion Play, served as an Usher, Greeter and sang in the choir all at Christ Community Church. As a camper and later as staff he served alongside his wife at Camp Zion in Door County, WI a ministry of Christ Community Church. Dick enjoyed being involved with the ministries at church and truly admired his church family. His infectious smile and laugh will be forever cherished as well as his welcome with a strong hand shake. Dick is survived by his devoted wife and best friend Jean (Koski) of 46 years who he married on September 7 1968; his children Darci (Greg) Green of Winthrop Harbor and Chris (Tammy) Studebaker of North Aurora, IL; his grandchildren Ryan, Andrew and Kelsey Green and Max Studebaker; his brothers Robert (Milo) Studebaker of Palm Springs, CA and Corty (Melody) Studebaker of Aurora, CO; his sister in law Ginny Studebaker of Geneva, IL. Brother in law Bill Koski Sr. of Kenosha, WI; sister in law Patricia (Jerry) Taylor of Venice, FL; 14 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and 24 great-great nieces and nephews as well as many friends. His family meant the world to him especially his grandchildren. Prior to his illness he was their biggest fan watching them play baseball, basketball, football as well as dance and music recitals. He and Jean enjoyed traveling to Florida for many years during the Thanksgiving holiday when at times their children and grandchildren would join them. Dick was preceded in death by his parents John and Gladys Studebaker, brother Wendell Studebaker, great-nephew Heath Copeland, his father and mother in law Leo and Eleanor Koski. A special thank you to Dr. Dennis McCreary, Dr. Syed Haider, the Medsurg 5 nurses, ICU nurses and staff at the Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, WI. Dick's journey can be found at CaringBridge.com. Donations in Dick's memory can be made to the Camp Zion Gathering Place Fund c/o Christ Community Church 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion IL 60099. Funeral services will be held Thursday November 13 at 10 am with visitation Wednesday November 12 from 4-8 at Christ Community Church in Zion, IL. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Zion.