As a lifelong resident of Belleville, IL, Dick attended St. Luke Grade School and Cathedral High School. Dick is a US Navy veteran of World War II and, as an Electrician’s Mate First Class, contributed to the war effort by maintaining generators at several B-29 bases in the Marianas Islands. As Chief Petty Officer, he was called back to service during the Korean Conflict and taught electrical classes while assigned to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Between those assignments, Dick married Emily Glauber and were lovingly together 66 years before her death in 2016.
As a proud 74-year member of IBEW #309, Dick’s career path took him through several companies prior to becoming part of the proud heritage of the G. Heileman (Stag) Brewing Company. His final, sad task as Bottle Shop Superintendent, involved supervising the dismantlement and sale of that equipment. Dick is perhaps best known to the public as the electrical inspector for the City of Belleville, a role he filled from 1958 through 2017. “Rapid Richard” is best known for his ever-present smile, easy laugh, love of life, and eagerness to help and mentor others.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Edna, nee Rampenthal, Voss; three brothers, Harry, Paul and James; and two sisters, Mary Louise Dunlap and Ruth McHugh.
Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Carol Voss of Grand Bay, AL; a grandson, Bryan Voss of Milwaukee, WI; sisters-in-law, Betty (Jim), Betty (Paul), Marian Glauber, Mary Glauber, many nieces and nephews and a multitude of neighbors and friends.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Mary Pop-Ins (home care providers) and Heartland Hospice Care for their unending care and kindness.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Luke Catholic Church, or to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 20, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and social distancing will be observed.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. Masks are required.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.