Franklin Grove

Richard "Dick" Edwin Osborne, 84, passed away Sunday October 15, 2023, at his Franklin Grove home after a brief battle with cancer. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Richard managed his illness with strength and grace, and on his final day, he was surrounded by his children, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

Richard was born November 17, 1938, to Glenn and Mary (Grubb) Osborne in Rochelle, IL. The family of three welcomed Richard's two baby brothers Charles "Larry" Osborne (Billie) and Wayne Osborne (Judy) a few years later to complete the loving family of five.

Richard joined the Air Force and proudly served in the Strategic Air Force Command as a Firefighter in South Dakota. After his honorable discharge he moved to Library, PA with his wife Ella and fathered four wonderful children who he loved dearly, Terry Reynosa (Bobby), Richard "Bub" Osborne (Kim), Denise Wallingford (Charlie Becker) and Mary Davis (Lester).

He relocated back to Rochelle with his four children in tow as a single parent. In 1977, he met the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Pickle. And on Dec 9, 1977, they married, and his family of four grew to eight with Richard being a loving stepfather to Catherine Knight (Jim), Vaughn Buck (Nancy), Candy Koch (Douglas), and Christina Pickle (Jay Taft).

Richard and Jackie were married for 35 years and were always stealing kisses from each other and lovingly referred to each other as 'Babe'. They spent every moment together and cared for one another deeply. They loved each other like no other.

Richard was a welder by trade. He was a self-taught master gardener and always had the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood. Richard was a true outdoorsman and loved mother nature. He was so creative and incredibly talented and made the most beautiful custom wood furniture. He recycled everything and his motto was to 'improvise'; he could figure out a way to tackle any challenge. He was also a cowboy at heart as he loved John Wayne and western movies which he watched non-stop. But most of all he loved his family, and you could see his heart warm when he spoke of the people who he loved the most.

Richard is survived by his two brothers and sisters-in-law, eight children, 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mary Osborne, his father and mother-in-law, Sam and Edna Romano, father and mother-in-law, Edward and Ethel Phillips and his wife, Jacqueline.

Richard will be remembered for his kind and gentle loving soul.

Visitation to be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle followed by Funeral service at 11 am and then burial at Lawnridge Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife, Jackie.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree in remembrance or donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors association.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.