Richard Klotz

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Richard Wayne Klotz, 66, of Freeburg, IL, born January 21, 1954, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Thursday, November 26, 2020, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL, after a battle with melanoma.

Richard worked as a facilities manager for ROHO, Inc. and retired after 34 years of service. After his retirement, he worked as a groundskeeper for Freeburg Community High School.  Richard really enjoyed his time at the high school and made many friends there.  He also enjoyed helping out at his son’s company, COMRO Products. He was a vehicle enthusiast who loved cars and motorcycles. Richard never met a stranger. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Klotz; two brothers, Ronnie and Randy Klotz; his mother-in-law, Dolores Mezyk; a niece, Kerri Voigt; and a nephew, Danny Klotz.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Michele, nee Mezyk, Klotz, whom he married July 13, 1974;
a son, Ryan (Carrie) Klotz of Freeburg, IL;
a daughter, Rachel (Jeremy) Baldridge of Millstadt, IL;
four grandchildren, Isabel and Vivian Klotz, and Carmen and Evan Baldridge;
his mother, Bernice, nee Kessler, Klotz of Freeburg, IL;
a brother, Robert (Peggy) Klotz of Flagler Beach, FL;
his father-in-law, Mitchell Mezyk Sr. of Belleville, IL;
all his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws;
and his three granddogs, Otis, Wes, and Wyatt.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.

 

Condolences:

44 Comments on Richard Klotz

don fancher said : Guest Report Aug 19, 2022 at 6:27 PM

I felt so bad that we lost him.we grew up together and had a lot of fun.He was my best friend we all had a lot of things to do.lost my dad I left and was on the road every way to places . put my thumb up and went to a lot of places.hope I can find Rich when it is my time to go .I am so sorry about Rich he has always a great person.My dad is laying close to your dad. i

  • Amelia
  • oh
Rita said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2022 at 8:55 AM

I worked at ROHO for a short time and Rich was one of my favorite people. He’d stop by my desk every day to say hi and made me feel so welcome. I considered him a good friend and a great person. I’m so sorry for your loss.

  • St. Louis
  • MO
Jim Frierdich said : Guest Report Dec 16, 2020 at 7:42 AM

Michele, I did not know Rich had passed until I saw his moms obit. in the BND this morning. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I have nothing but fond memories of Rich, that go back forty plus years Did not see Rich often, but when I did, I always enjoyed seeing him.

  • Belleville
  • Illinis
Kim Schaefer said : Guest Report Dec 12, 2020 at 5:18 PM

To Michele and the Klotz Family, our deepest sympathies to all of you. I was so blessed to have worked with Rich at ROHO many years ago. He was a great friend and even though we hadn’t touched base in a few years, he always had a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.

  • Ruma
  • IL
Steve & Vicki Nast said : Guest Report Dec 09, 2020 at 3:25 PM

Michele, I was saddened to hear the news about Rich. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Michele Ortman said : Guest Report Dec 09, 2020 at 1:41 AM

Michele so sorry to hear about Rich. He was such a friendly man. I looked forward to seeing you both at Denny's. He will be missed. Keeping you and your family in prayers.

  • BELLEVILLE
  • IL
Cathy Baldridge said : Guest Report Dec 06, 2020 at 11:17 AM

My deepest sympathies to Michelle, Rachel, (Jeremy), Ryan, (Carrie), Bernice, Rob, Carmen, Evan, Isabel, Vivian and the whole family. Rich always had a wonderful smile and a friendly hello at all the family gatherings. He showed up to support his children, and grandkids . He will be sorely missed by both family and friends.

  • Millstadt
  • IL
Kristi (Hurst) Primas said : Guest Report Dec 04, 2020 at 12:25 AM

Michelle, Ryan, and the whole family....I was saddened to hear of the passing of Rich. He was such a joy to work with at ROHO. Although I hadn’t seen him in years, he will be greatly missed and always remembered. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

  • Livingston
  • Illinois
Warren and Donna Schenewerk said : Guest Report Dec 03, 2020 at 7:44 PM

Michelle, Ryan, and Rachel you are in our thoughts. Rachel I never saw your dad without a smile. With love ? Donna and Warren.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Thomas Funk said : Guest Report Dec 03, 2020 at 1:09 PM

Condolences to you are your family Ryan.

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Cecilia Qualls said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 5:45 PM

Michelle, Ryan, Racheal, Rob, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rich was a kind person, a team player, always willing to give a hand to anyone, needing it. Always laughing and smiling very friendly. Rest In Peace Rich, you will be missed by many ?

  • Highland
  • IL
Stephen and Nancy Faist said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 4:47 PM

Michelle, Ryan, Rachael. Our thoughts are with you and your families in this time of sorrow. The memories of Rich will always bring us happiness. Too many good times in work and play to ever forget. Be strong Michelle. Rest In Peace Rich.

  • Key Largo
  • Florida
Kara Kopplin said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 4:38 PM

It was always such a pleasure to see Rich's smiling face at work, and he helped me many times over the years. In fact, I had a flat tire this week, and I was thinking how he had helped me years ago with a flat. So very sorry. Much love to his family.

  • Saint Louis
  • Missouri
Larry and Kelly Schneider said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 4:19 PM

We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of Rich and the Klotz's. We have many special memories of being around him and want to express our thoughts and prayers to everyone he touched. We are going to miss you big loveable guy!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Nella Dickerson said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 1:50 PM

My sympathy to the family. Rich was such a nice man. When I first started working at Roho he was kind and helpful. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

  • O'Fallon
  • IL
Steve Arndt said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 12:44 PM

Michele, Ryan and Rachel, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rich was truly a great guy who touched the lives of so many people.

  • Smithton
  • IL
Jeannie Sommer said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 11:41 AM

My deepest sympathy for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with Rich at ROHO. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many.

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Ray Jankowski said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 11:36 AM

My condolences and prayers to the the Klotz family. Rich was a fun loving guy, enjoyable to be around. He will be missed.

  • St. Louis
  • United States
Otto & Dana Roberts said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 11:22 AM

To Rich's entire family, and especially Michelle, our hearts go out to you for your loss. Simply said, Rich was a good man. Our thoughts are of him helping do the company picnics, bowling and any and all functions that the company did. Rich was always there and was always a key to making them successful. Take care and you have our thoughts and prayers.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Diane L Schaefer said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 10:13 AM

So very sorry to hear about Rich. I enjoyed working with Rich at FCHS. Such a good guy! He will be missed. Prayers for your family.

  • Smiuthton
  • IL
Diana L Shain said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 9:54 AM

So very sad to hear of Richard's passing. He was so much fun back in our school days. Condolences to the whole family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
John Keck said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 9:09 AM

My heart goes out to Michelle and the entire Klotz family. I consider myself lucky to have worked with Rich and have him as a friend. He's left the world a better place.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Wendy Ingles said : Guest Report Nov 30, 2020 at 6:22 AM

Michele and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful person. It was heartbreaking to hear of his passing.

  • New Athens
  • IL
Lynda Peyton said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 9:43 PM

Michelle, Ryan, and Rachel, Our hearts are so saddened by this news. Rich was a wonderful man, husband, and father. He always had a smile on his face and a willingness to help no matter what the challenge. We are going to miss that big guy! All our love to you❤️❤️❤️

  • Belleville
  • Il
Angi Mueller said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 9:34 PM

I’m so sorry to hear this. Rich is so sweet! He always said, “Hi!” and was always up for a chat when I saw him. I’ll miss seeing him out and about. Peace to your family.

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Kay Kendall said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 7:18 PM

My deepest sympathies to Michele, Ryan and Rachel, Rob and his mother, Bernice. What a great human being! What a legacy of a trustworthy, honest, hardworking, caring individual. Rich wore so many hats. He is a true example of a good neighbor, friend, family member, coworker and many more attributes. May Rich Rest In Peace and know he is watching over his loved ones. Fly High with the Angels!?

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Angi Mueller said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 7:12 PM

I’m so sorry to hear this. Praying for peace for your family. Rich was so sweet and was up for a nice chat each time I saw him. I’ll miss seeing him and out about. My sincere condolences.

  • Freeburg
  • IL
Debbie Coyner said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 7:03 PM

I am so sorry to hear this. Rich was such a great guy. I met him at Roho, along with Michelle, his mom and a few others. I still have the little shell he brought back, when he went swimming in the Bahamas. My sincerest sympathy to the whole family. Debbie Coyner

  • Fairview Hgts
  • Il.
Sharon Schuhardt said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 6:46 PM

So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Gina Nottoli Beck said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 4:38 PM

Sending my thoughts to you Michele and your family. So so sorry for your loss!

  • New Athens
  • Illinois
Tim Reagan said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 4:03 PM

Rich was a great guy, I learned alot from him. He will be truly missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Jeanette Hoernis said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 1:24 PM

Michele, Ryan, Rachel, Aunt Bernice, Rob and Peggy so sorry for the loss of great person. Always was there to help anyone and miss his smile and jokes we be missed from many cousins and friends may he RIP. Will always love him for being such a wonderful person to his family and mom

  • Belleville
  • IL
Mike Callaghan said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 1:11 PM

To the entire Klotz family, you are in my prayers - Rich was a wonderful guy who made coming to work each day a little more enjoyable. He will be missed by all.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Cindy Kampwerth said : Guest Report Nov 29, 2020 at 11:05 AM

My heart goes out to you michelle, may the good lord hold you and your family close in his loving arms and helps you thru this time of loss and sadness.

  • summerfield
  • IL
Rosalind and Richard Dawson said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2020 at 2:18 PM

Rich was truly a person who never met a stranger, he always made a person feel comfortable. He truly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rich and Roz

  • Largo
  • FL
Debbie said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2020 at 12:20 PM

Michelle, Rachael, Ryan and family Sorry to hear about Rich, I remember all the good times we had at the Marina, working the boat races, and just hanging out, he was a great guy and I will always remember the good times I had with your family. He will be missed. Debbie

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Judy Haida said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM

Michelle, So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending prayers and hugs to you. Don and Judy Haida?

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Diana Borger-Savoia said : Guest Report Nov 28, 2020 at 1:34 AM

Dear Michelle and family My heart hurts for all...I'm so sorry to hear about Rich...he was such a good man...would do anything for you....always had a smile on his face .. Ryan and Rachel, you you and your families are in my prayer.. Hugs to all..And of course love~~ ~~~~Diana Borger-Savoia~~~~ ?????????

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Phill and Lesia Zipfel said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 9:50 PM

Michelle, Ryan, Racheal, Rob, Peg, Bernice all your families, we are so very sorry for your loss. Rich was loved by everyone including this family. We’ll not soon forget his laugh, his kindness, always a smile. The legacy he leaves with all of you that he loved so much will live on as a testament of truly a life well lived. Rest In Peace dear Rich.

  • Freeburg
  • Illinois
Tony Brink said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 9:16 PM

My condolences to the Klotz family. Rich was always fun to work with during the many years at ROHO. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace BR!

  • Troy
  • IL
Linda Johnson said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 6:59 PM

Mom sends all her love. We adored Rich. God bless you and your family. I love you to the Moon and Back

  • Eatonville
  • Washingto
Sharon Klamm said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 6:36 PM

My prayers are with you and your family. Rich was such a great guy. Always happy. He'll be truly missed.

  • Dubois
  • Illinois
Keith, Diane, Keith & Kevin Voigt said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 6:23 PM

We were so sorry to hear about Rich. He was such a good man. He will be greatly missed by all. Sending our love and prayers to all the family.

  • St. Louis
  • Missouri
Janet M Thrasher said : Guest Report Nov 27, 2020 at 5:42 PM

So very sorry Michele, he was such a great guy. He helped me many times with the bikes etc here. I just couldn't believe this happened to him. God Bless to you and your family, Jan

  • Freeburg
  • IL

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