Leo Rich

Visitation

Everyone is invited to join the family
for a luncheon following the burial at:
Jameson’s Char House
1331 Dundee Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004

Stuckenbrock Residence
2509 N. Racine Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60614

Friday 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Saturday 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Donations May Be Made To:
Tall Grass Arts Association
367 Artists Walk
Park Forest, Illinois 60466
or
Your Favorite Charity

Leo Rich, 95, beloved husband of the late Bernice, nee Moline; loving father of Arlene Stuckenbrock, Patricia (Greg) Thomas and Steven Rich; cherished grandfather of Kurt (Kim) Stuckenbrock, Stacy (Christian) Castro and Greer (Jon) Adams; adored great grandfather of Cate, Jonathan Leo, Lizzy, Leo, Blake, Bobby and Joyce; treasured brother of Morris and the late Edward, Max and Harry; a special thank you to Ahmad “Buddy” Marohombsar and Dr. Reid Owen for their exceptional care. Leo was born in 1921 in Sioux City, Iowa where he spent his childhood. At a very young age, he demonstrated artistic talent. By 13 years old he was creating portraits for a quarter. Thru the WPA and his high school, Leo won a tuition scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago. At 18 he traveled by caboose to Chicago to attend classes while living and working at the Loop YMCA. WWII interrupted his studies. He was in the infantry in Italy and used his graphic skills as a map interpreter. Upon returning he finished his studies at the American Academy of Art. Mr. Rich met his wife Bernice at a dance where she recognized him as one of the instructor assistants from her classes at the American Academy. Leo and Bernice were married in 1946 and lived in Chicago where they had two daughters, Arlene and Pat. In 1953 they moved to south suburban Park Forest where their son Steve was born. Leo commuted to the city and developed a busy career as a self-employed commercial illustrator. He created advertising art for all types of products, plus he illustrated textbooks and magazine articles. He also spent part of his commercial career at the Leo Burnett Advertising agency preparing storyboards for televised commercials. For over 30 years, Leo participated in the annual Park Forest Art Fair and taught at the Park Forest Art Center (now the Tall Grass Art Center). At the Art Fair, Leo did live model pastel portraits, always drawing a crowd. After retiring from his commercial art career, Leo concentrated on his fine art. Between 1993 and 2003 he painted a large series of Rabbis and other scenes inspired by travels to Israel. In 2009 Leo moved to the Oak Park Arms Retirement Community and during the last four years has been lovingly cared for by two people who are dear to our family, Buddy Marohombsar and Dr. Reid Owen.

---

Service Information

Service : Thursday, December 8th at 12:15 pm
Service Location: -Shalom Chapel Service

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
Arlington Heights, IL