Richard Virgil Fessler, known affectionately by friends and family as Dick, was born on February 6, 1944, in Quincy, Illinois. Surrounded by family at Blessing Hospital, Dick passed away peacefully at the age of 78 on March 29, 2022, in Quincy.

Dick spent his early childhood years living in Quincy before attending elementary school in Fowler and later relocating to Mendon where he attended middle and high school and also met his future wife, Helen, also known as his Poopsie. Following graduation from Mendon High School where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019, Dick went to work for Moorman Manufacturing where he spent several years as a salesperson and was endeared by his many colleagues and clients. Dick later became an agent for Country Financial and ended his successful career there with his retirement in 2016.

Dick didn’t know a stranger. He had a smile, compliment, and a joke for anyone he encountered and to know him was to love him. Dick’s favorite pastimes included watching sports, playing golf, attending family vacations, and going to car shows with his sons. Dick’s strongest passion was family. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family sharing memories, singing and playing the guitar, and telling stories that never failed to leave all in the room in roaring laughter. His high spirit and love of fun was contagious to anyone who came into contact with him.

Dick is survived by his three children: Barry Fessler and his wife Teresa of Quincy; Scott Fessler and his wife Jill of Springfield, IL. and Susan Kelso and her husband Bill, also of Springfield. Grandchildren: Jessica and Ashley Fessler; Max Fessler, Braxton, Logan and Gannon Lanier; Carter, Olivia and Jack Kelso. Siblings: Larry Fessler and his wife Diane and Wayne Fessler and his wife Judy. Sister-in-law: Sandy Fessler.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Helen and his brother, Bill Fessler.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Mendon, IL. Inurnment will take place at the Mendon Cemetery Mausoleum. A Celebration of Life for Richard will be held on Friday afternoon from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the Outskirts Bar in Lorraine, IL. Memorials may be made to Unity High School Athletic Department. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.