Richard Vandyke

Richard Allen “Dick” VanDyke passed away on July 2, 2020. He is survived by his wife Jane of 48 years, son Matthew (Carissa), daughters Rachel (James) Verhagen and Sarah (Michael) Lake. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren--Jacob, Luke, Jonah, Lily and Zoey VanDyke; Annie, Zachary, Samuel and Emily Verhagen; and Benjamin and Travis Lake, who were the joy of his life.

Dick was born in Sioux Falls, SD on May 27th, 1948 to Albert and Lois VanDyke. He was also blessed to be cared for and loved by two stepmothers, Lavonne and later Alice. He has two brothers Bill (Esther) and John (Joyce) and a sister Margaret (Bob) Morrisey. The Lord also added 6 more siblings through marriage to Jane in the form of her 2 brothers, Bob (Lois) Engelsman , Don (Janis) Engelsman and sister Nancy (Howard) VanDyke. The Lord blessed them all with love and friendship that they enjoyed during family gatherings, vacations, and holidays. His family was a constant source of joy and strength to Dick.

Dick loved his church family at Christ Community Church in Lemont, IL. His great joy was to share his love of His Savior through singing and playing the guitar. He played in church, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and many special services. He continued to write songs of praise until the last few weeks of his life. He also loved singing in the choir, praise band, and his quartet, Sing Fourth. He cherished the relationships with all those whom he sang and served with.

The VanDyke Group, the insurance brokerage Dick help found in 1984, was a life’s work for Dick. He loved everyone he worked with like family, and he worked to show that same care and compassion to every client. His leadership, wisdom, and care will be missed every day.

Dick reflected the love of Christ to so many in his life and wanted to always grow in generosity. It is in that spirit that we ask that in lieu of flowers you would consider donating to Mercy Child Care Ministries in Uganda, a charity and group of people whom Dick loved and admired. Please visit the website childrentolove.org and select Make a Gift and Mercy Child Care and note VanDyke Memorial.

Visitation Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 2-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. A Service to Celebrate Dick's life will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road, Lemont, IL at 11:30 a.m. To uphold safety guidelines, all guests are asked to wear a mask and respect social distancing requirements. A private burial with military honors will take place prior to the Service at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400