Richard J. Smith 1939-2012

Richard J. "Dick" Smith, 72, of Wadsworth, IL, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at Sunrise Assisted Living in Gurnee, IL.

Dick was born July 10, 1939 in Freeport, IL, and graduated from Freeport High School in 1957. He went on to earn an Undergraduate Degree from Augustana College, a Masters Degree from Purdue University and a Law Degree from the University of Michigan. Dick married Nancy Coomber on May 21, 1966, in Freeport. In 1966 he moved to Waukegan to practice law and eventually retired from the firm of Sullivan, Smith, Hauser, and Noonan. He was a long-time active member of Immanuel Church in Gurnee.

Dick was an avid fisherman, reader, and Chicago sports fan. He loved to sing, study history, and teach about the Bible, which he did for many years as a Sunday school teacher and small group leader at Immanuel. He was passionate about justice, and saw the law as a means to protect those who couldn't stand up for themselves. Most of all, he was a faithful husband, father, and friend, who loved God and served others generously.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Nancy; son Erik (Christi) Smith of Carmel, IN; daughter, Melissa (Joseph) Smith of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Kaelyn, Malachi, Simon, Ferris, and Caide; and sister, Dorothy (Richard) Pyle of San Diego, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Smith.

A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion. Memorial donations are suggested to Immanuel Church or the Alzheimers Association.