Richard "Rick "Wessel, age 72, of Hampshire, passed away on Thursday evening, October 23, 2025, in the comfort of his home under the care of his family and hospice.
Rick was born in Chicago on November 6, 1952, one of three children born to the late Herbert C. "Wes" and June M. (nee Anderson) Wessel.
He was raised in Carpentersville and was a proud 1970 graduate of Irving Crown High School. Before retirement, Rick served as a Police Officer in the Village of Carpentersville from 1978 to 1992, a 13-year tenure. Later, he worked for the State of Illinois at the Elgin Mental Health Center from 1998 to 2024, a tenure of 26 years. In his spare time, Rick enjoyed genealogy and spent many hours researching Ancestry. He was also a member of the Carpentersville Moose in 1958.
Survivors include his beloved wife and best friend of 42 years, Janice M. "Jan" (nee’ Homuth). They married on July 16, 1983: their daughter, Kaley, and her husband, Ryan Johnson.
Rick loved being a grandpa to his granddaughter, Hadley, and grandson, Royce, both whom he loved very much and was incredibly proud of, and he and Jan enjoyed attending all of their sporting events.
Other survivors include his sister, Tami, and her husband, Lee Janczewski; his sister-in-law, Ellen Wessel; his in-laws from the Homuth family; several nieces and nephews; and a large circle of good and faithful friends, whose love and support have been a source of comfort during this difficult time.
In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother, Terry A. Wessel.
At Rick's request, he will be cremated. A Memorial Gathering will be held at Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1:00 P.M. until the time of a Memorial Service with time for sharing at 3:00 P.M. Rick's inurnment will be private. Instead of flowers, please consider donating in Rick's name to the Hampshire-Burlington Food Pantry, P.O.Box 651, Hampshire, Illinois 60140
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com. For information, please call 847-426-3436
https://www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com/memorials/richard-wessel/5651541/index.php
Larry Miller
How sad for his family and friends. Rick and I met in kindergarten and were in Cub Scouts together. Although we were never close friends growing up, we always maintained our friendship. Rick was always very nice. I never heard him speak badly about anyone. I wish his family solice in this time of grief. RIP Rick.