Rochelle

Richard Anthony Marie, 73, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on March 29, 1948 to Bernard and Elizabeth "Betty" (Walsh) Marie in Peoria, IL. He attended Spalding Academy in Peoria and then enlisted in the Air National Guard, serving for six years. He followed the love of his life, Gwen (Joos) Marie to college at Northern Illinois University. They married on January 23, 1971 and settled into life in Rochelle, IL shortly after. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and pursued a career as an insurance adjuster which spanned many decades.

Rich was an engaged member of the Rochelle Jaycees for many years as well as an active participant in community softball and volleyball. He was an avid runner and could often be seen running on Flagg Road with icicles on his mustache. He greatly enjoyed driving school buses at various times in his life. Rich had a passion for golf and could be seen on the fairways from March through November every year. He loved spending time with family and life-long friends throughout the years, especially if it involved sunshine and a beach.

He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Gwen of Rochelle, his daughter, Allycia Natavio and grandchildren, Ethan and Aiden Natavio of Lake Orion, MI and daughter, Megan Marie and husband, Scott Combs, of Anchorage, AK. He is also survived by his siblings: Theresa (Matt) Jennett, Charles Marie, Mike (RuthAnn) Marie, Mary (Dan) LaKemper and nephews, Brian and Cullen LaKemper.

Public visitation will be from 2:00 - 5:00 P.M., Sunday, May 23, 2021 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, May 24 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle with Father Jesus Dominquez officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Memorials may be made in Rich's memory to the Rochelle Community Hospital Association or to the David Crawford Foundation, for the teachers of Rochelle Elementary District 231. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.