Richard Dale Schuessler OBITUARY

Richard Dale Schuessler OBITUARY

Richard Dale Schuessler passed away peacefully on May 25 at age 83 at home in Chicago.

He was born in 1942 on the northwest side. His father, Walter, was the president of Schuessler Knitting Mills, a family-owned textile factory that started as a small retail shop near Logan Square. His mother, Lois, was a homemaker.

After graduating from New Trier High School, Denison University (where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa) and the University of Chicago Business School, Richard joined the family business, becoming director of sales and then president. An avid environmentalist, he was an eager promoter of new products like Eco-Raggs yarn (made from recycled plastic bottles) and helped direct some profits to wildlife restoration. He was also on the board of the local YMCA.

Richard was known for dad jokes, boundless energy and irrepressible curiosity about what lay around the next corner. One of his favorite sayings, especially to bored children: “Be careful, you might learn something.” A life-long lover of the outdoors, he treasured memories of youthful summers at Camp Owakonze and canoe trips on the Boundary Waters.

After retiring, he threw his energy into home projects, volunteer work and travel. He served on the board at Lambs Farm, a residential facility for disabled adults, and HighSight, an educational and mentoring organization. He relished introducing visitors to his beloved home city as a volunteer with Chicago Greeters.

Richard is survived by his wife Bonnie; his daughters Cynthia, Jennifer and Heidi; two grandchildren, Max and Gannon; and his brother, Robert.