Richard H. Oosterhoff

Richard “Rich” Oosterhoff, 92, of Bourbonnais, passed away on April 13th, 2025. Born on May 26th, 1932, in Momence, IL, to Harry and Irene (VanderMeer) Oosterhoff, Richard lived a life full of family, community, and service.
On December 5, 1964, he married Rita (Boelling) Oosterhoff, who died on February 4, 1986. On June 2, 1990, he married Judy Schaafsma Fasig in Wichert, IL, who survives him. Rich raised gladiolas, other flowers, and perennials for over sixty years, first with his father, Harry Oosterhoff, and then his son, Richard Glen Oosterhoff. He was known as the "Gladman" to many of his florist and farmer's market customers throughout Chicago and Illinois.
Rich's life was centered on his family, the farm, and the Wichert community. He attended Frogtown Elementary School, a one-room school, and graduated from St. Anne Community High School. He was a life-long member of Wichert Reformed Church, serving many terms as a deacon and elder. His favorite role was chairperson for the Music and Worship Committee, and he cherished his time in the choir and the locally famous "Singing Farmers." He also served as the Treasurer of the Kankakee County Farm Bureau and as a member of the Wichert Grade School Board. He proudly joined the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2018 in recognition of his service in the Army during the Korean War (1954-1955) in the 858th ordinance company.
Rich had many hobbies and interests over the years, including snowmobiling with friends and as a member of the "Bowling Team." An avid collector, Richard amassed 150 antique clocks, and he enjoyed fixing and cleaning each one. He often had afternoon tea or Sunday lunch with his brothers and sisters, and morning coffee at Bonvallet's with neighbors and friends.  He was affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Papa O.”.
Richard is survived by his wife Judy; his children Ronda Oosterhoff of Chicago, Glen (Heather) Oosterhoff of Momence, and Renee (Clint) Cox of Wilmette; his grandchildren Corrine Renshaw of Michigan, Everett Renshaw of Chicago, Reuben Renshaw, Erica Oosterhoff of Momence, John Oosterhoff of Carmel Indiana, Rachel Oosterhoff of Avon Indiana, Isabel Cox of Providence Rhode Island, Hillary Cox, and Schuyler Cox; his step-children Chad (Melissa) Fasig of Bloomington, Amy Fasig (Forrest Wing) of Washington, and Misty Fasig of Washington; and his step-grandchildren Raegan (Keegan Wilcher) Fasig, MacKenzie Fasig, and Koby Perry. He is survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Rich was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John, Fred, Edward, and Harry Jr., and sisters Clara, Katherine, Emily, and Roselle.
Visitation Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. directly at First Reformed Church of Wichert 7697 E 4500S Rd, St Anne, IL 60964. Interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery – Wichert, Illinois. Arrangements entrusted to Smits - Steger Memorial Chapel 3045 Chicago Road Steger, IL.  Information 708-755-6100 or www.smitsfh.com
Memorials to the First Reformed Church of Wichert appreciated.
Richard's legacy of service, community involvement, and love for his family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.