Richard David Sesterhenn
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Obituary for Richard David Sesterhenn
Richard D. Sesterhenn, of Island Lake IL, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2019 at the age 60.
Rich is survived by:
§ Former wife, Linda (Petersen) Sesterhenn of Grayslake Il
§ Son Michael Sesterhenn and Laura Bantz with daughter Olivia Bantz of Island Lake IL
§ Son Bryan Sesterhenn and Fiancé Jack Mikeska of Pleasant Prairie WI
Dear brother to:
§ Steven & Lisa (Evitts) Sesterhenn of Cedar Falls IA and children Heather (Seibel), Scott, McKenzie (Ochoa) and Eric
§ Barbara (Sesterhenn) and Donald Bottenhagen of Richmond IL and children Jason Bottenhagen and Donna (Bottenhagen) McCaskel
§ Robert and Wendy (Aspin) Sesterhenn of Elgin IL and son Austin
§ Ronald and Diane (Cortesi) Sesterhenn of Arlington Heights IL and son Matthew
§ Michael and Sandy (Lynch/Balogh) Sesterhenn of Palatine IL and children Jon and Melanie Sesterhenn, Ian Lynch, Kelly (Lynch) Suarez and Michael Lynch
§ David and Kimberly (Burgman) Sesterhenn of Frankfort Il and children Jacob and Emily
Preceded in death by his parents Richard and Irene Sesterhenn of Wilke Road in Arlington Heights, IL.
Rich was raised in Arlington Heights IL, and graduated from Arlington High School in 1977.
Rich was well known in his High School years for his ability to "dance the night away" at the 2001 Discotheque on Rand Road and was often compared to John Travolta with his fabulous dance moves! He even danced on roller skates at Orbit Roller Rink! Rich was really into cars and his 1969 jet black Nova SS was always "chirping" the tires around town, as he shifted through the gears and showed his classmates how speed could really be handled. Of course, with his dance moves and good looks, he had the girls swooning over him (he was often compared to Don Johnson of Miami Vice, in his day).
Rich began making pizza and sandwiches at the age of 14 for Wayne's Pizza, back when "Wayne" owned the place. In 1976, Bob and Roseanne Gillig took over Wayne's Pizza and a long 43-year relationship between the Gillig's and Rich began. Not only were the Gillig's the owners of Wayne's, they were a second family for Rich. Rich spent more hours of his life with the Gillig's than anyone others, and during that time grew a deep love and gratitude from both sides of the relationship. THANK YOU, to the Gillig's for all they have done for our beloved brother Rich over the years!
Rich was a business fixture in the Arlington Heights community, known for his friendly smile and warm greeting as the manager of Wayne's Pizza. Rich had the fortune in his life to touch the lives of many people at Wayne's. Neighborly "Hello's" and "Great to See You" were a staple for Rich, along with the time he would take to catch up for a few minutes with the customer to see how their family and health had been. Rich also took time with the new employees, teaching the ins and outs of great pizza making and strong customer service. Speaking of that service, when Rich smiled, you always knew it was genuine and from his heart. We are so fortunate to have been blessed by his now famous crooked smile and eyes that would light up the room.
Rich married Linda Petersen in 1980 and lived in Prospect Heights for many years. They later moved out of "Mother Petersen's" home and ventured out to Island Lake and started their life on their own with Michael and Bryan. Custom made reindeer and Christmas lights galore will always be remembered. Summer vacations were spent with the boys and their friends at "Aunt Barbs cabin". There were regular
video gaming sessions late into the night with the boys. Homemade bike ramps, soccer nets and a garage packed with all kinds of fun stuff were the norm at the Island Lake home! Rich and Linda were always busy with kid's soccer, school and the typical activities of raising kids. Rich did construction work as a side job to pizza's, and the boys would join him to learn and help, just to spend time with "Dad". Eventually, as the kids and the "toys" grew in size, they moved from Island Lake to a larger home in Volo IL. Sadly, Rich and Linda divorced in 2012.
Outside of his marriage, there has been one other very special girl in Rich's life, Olivia Bantz. Rich would often refer to Olivia as his granddaughter. Every time you saw Rich, he was planning for things to do with her, like, presents to buy and time to have a nerf gun battles. If Olivia came into the room, you would see that sparkle in Rich's eyes and the love he had for her as he has watched her grow.
Rich loved the outdoors, especially spending time fishing at every opportunity he could. There are many great memories of Musky fishing trips on the Chippewa Flowage, fish literally jumping in the boat in Crivitz, big Northern Pike at the "Sunken Island" in Canada, and our infamous annual Bottenhagen/Sesterhenn (B.S.) fishing tournaments at Barb & Don's cabin in northern Wisconsin.
One of Rich's favorite hobbies was to just observe. He would sit on the deck, patio, or across the room and just watch! Watch the kid's playing. Watch the laughter in the room. Watch the loons, the waves, or the occasional passerby. Rich enjoyed watching life around him and the simple joy people could bring to him and make him smile, or…….Shake his head and laugh.
There are soooooo many more stories to share about Rich's life, but not enough time and paper to share them all. Life has been too short. We will miss you Rich and all the kindness and Joy you brought to our lives. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association www.mda.org, or the family of Richard Sesterhenn.
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