Richard “Rick” Pleines 71. Devoted father of Fran (Dave Ekins) Pleines and the late Rose Pleines-Zych; dearest friend to Suzanne Honda; loving brother of John (Liz), Ed (Nancy), Thomas (Kathleen) Pleines, and Patricia DaValle; adored uncle to Katie (Kyle) Waggoner, JR (Katie) Pleines, Chrissy Pleines, Mike (Emily) DaValle, and Meghan (Matt) Pierotti; fabled great uncle to Jake, Jack, Cole, James, John, Finn, and Greyson; amazing nephew to Rose (Bud) Saugling and the late Genevieve, Aggie, Leona, Frank, Jack, Fran, and Marcela; dependable cousin to many; best friend (in mischief sometimes) to so many more. He was also preceded in death by his parents Edward and Rita Pleines. Rick deeply loved and cared about his family and friends (and their families and their friends).

Rick loved hunting, fishing, the outdoors, and animals (especially his springers Sarge and Lou). He was a long time union carpenter, life long woodworker, and “Rick” of all trades. He would help anyone who needed it, usually refusing to take anything in return but a thanks (and maybe a beer). Rick lived by the motto of always helping others because it was “the right thing to do” which his Catholic upbringing instilled in him. Though a part of his spirit seemed to leave him each time he lost a loved one, Rose especially, he carried on living life the best he could to honor those gone. He never wanted to burden anyone with his needs, instead praying each day for both those still here and the souls of the departed.

Rick will be missed by so many but all the amazing memories of him will allow his spirit to live on in everyone he knew.

Visitation Wednesday from 4pm until 8pm at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave. Niles. Funeral Thursday 9:15am to St. Juliana Church for 10am Mass. Interment Maryhill Cemetery. Funeral info 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com

In Lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made in his name to PAWS or Anti-Cruelty