Richard "Dick" Schwebke, a long-time resident of Crystal Lake, passed away on August 27, 2024, at a nursing home in Bartlett.  He was 99 years young.
The oldest of 10 children, Dick was born April 15, 1925, in Milwaukee, WI, and raised in West Allis, WI.  Surviving siblings are Dorothea (Bob) Hay, Marlene (Tom) Domagalski, and Michael (Julie Matsen-Schwebke) Schwebke.  Dick attended Jefferson Grade School, Horace Mann Junior High, and West Allis Central High School, where he played trombone in the marching and symphony bands.  He was very proud of completing a machinist apprenticeship at Kearney & Trecker in West Allis, where he also played trombone in the company band.  During WWII, he made gear boxes for the landing craft used on Normandy Beach.
Dick married the love of his life, Lorraine, in 1946, and they were married just shy of 63 years at her passing in 2009.  They had five children:  David Schwebke, Paul (Linda) Schwebke, Steve Schwebke, Sandy (Paul) LeClair, and Peggy Schwebke.  In 1951, they moved to Crystal Lake, IL, when Dick took a position at the new Harnischfeger diesel plant there.  Dick was soon lured away by Precision Twist Drill, where he worked as the toolroom manager for over 30 years.
The Boy Scouts were especially important to Dick.  He served as Committeeman, Asst. Scoutmaster, and Scoutmaster of Troop 178, and as Neighborhood Commissioner for Crystal Lake.  An avid volunteer, Dick worked with Meals-On-Wheels, drove people to doctor appointments for Senior Services, volunteered at the McHenry County Historical Society, delivered books to shut-ins for Crystal Lake Public Library, was in the first group of volunteers when the Good Samaritan Ministry food pantry opened, and served on the Church Council at Bethany Lutheran Church.  He also was generous to strangers, whether donating to many charities over the years or providing a smile and greeting to all he passed.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Irma (née Schloerke) Schwebke, his wife Lorraine (née Shefloe), and siblings Edith (Bob) Kumershek, Bob (Lois) Schwebke, Ethel (Bob) Stover, Daniel (Nancy, Eloisa) Schwebke, Ted (Claire) Schwebke, and Pauline (Carroll) French.
A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, IL.  A short visitation will be held Saturday, September 7, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the church, followed by a funeral at 10:00 a.m.  Burial at McHenry County Memorial Park will immediately follow the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home in Niles is handling arrangements.  Visit www.skajafuneralhomes.com or call (847) 966-7302.