Richard “Dick” Etherton, 84, of Arlington Heights passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.
Richard was born on January 12, 1931 in Highland Park, IL to parents William “Ray” and Bernice Etherton. Dick grew up in Northbrook where his father had been principal of Northbrook High School. Dick or Rich, he answered to both, went to The University of Dubuque, in Iowa for his education in 1948. As soon as he graduated, he was inducted into the Army in 1952, and was sent to Ft. Knox, KY. He was stationed there during the Korean War.
Dick’s father grew up in Murphysboro, IL, locating to Northbrook, IL in the 1930’s. The family returned to Murphysboro for a wedding of a friend of the family. The bride was also a friend of JoAnne Lawder’s family, and there Dick met the love of his life. It was an “I knew at first sight” kind of love. That was in 1951, and Richard and JoAnne were married in 1954.
Richard got his master’s degree at SIU, and then moved to Arlington Heights, IL. To teach wood shop in high school District 214, and taught at Arlington High School his first year, and then stayed at Prospect High School for the remainder of his career of 30 years. He was also an administrator in the school, becoming the Head of the Departments for Home Economics, Business Education, and Industrial Education. He was named Industrial Educator of the Year in 1976 by the metropolitan Chicago Round Table. In 1986 he continued to teach adult night classes in Woodworking and Refinishing for 17 years, retiring in 2004. He also engraved each outstanding student medallion for Prospect High School after retiring.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of 61 years JoAnne. He was the loving father of Lisa (John) Curtin, and Eric (Carol) Etherton. Proud grandfather of Ashley and Matt Goralzyk, Cara and Suzanne Etherton, and Ryan Curtin. Dear step-grandfather of Lindsay, Charlie and Jeff Curtin. Step great grandfather of 3. Fond brother of Patricia (and the late Bruce) Bain, brother-in-law Ed Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his sister in law Sharon Lawder Johnson
Dick will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
A visitation will be held Friday, September 4, from 3-9 PM at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Road (at Northwest Highway), Mt. Prospect, IL 60056. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to benefit Midwest Palliative and Hospice Care Center, 2050 Claire Ct, Glenview, IL 60025.