Richard L. Isaak Obituary (2014)

Richard L. Isaak, age 78 of Carlyle, passed away at his home on Friday, June 13, 2014. Mr. Isaak was born on August 12, 1935, in rural Carlyle, a son of Alphonse and Rowena (Dursky) Isaak. He married Carolyn Gill on October 29, 1960, and she survives in Carlyle. Rich is also survived by his children - Jay Isaak and wife Debbie of St. Louis, Marty Isaak and fiance Mitzi Murray of Patoka, Craig Isaak and wife Tammy of Aviston and Sandy Richter and husband Neal of Aviston; his grandchildren - Jessica and Alex Isaak, Colby, Megan, Brittany, Brandi and Taylor Isaak, Trent, Ariel, and Malina Isaak, and Miranda, Madison and Garrett Richter; siblings - Dolores Krebs, Betty Bowen & husband Mike, and Linda Peppenhorst & husband John and in-laws Barbara Gardner and Stanley Gill. He was preceded in death by his parents - Alphonse and Rowena Isaak; his brothers - Paul and Robert Isaak; father and mother-in-law, Philip and Edna Gill; brothers-in-law - Don Krebs, Ralph Fleshren, Richard Gill and a nephew, Jeff Gardner. Mr. Isaak graduated from St. Mary's High School in Carlyle in 1953. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956, where he was a paratrooper assigned to the11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Upon his discharge from active duty, he transferred to the Active Air Force Reserve. He retired from the military in 1995 after completing 41 years of active duty and active reserve service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a graduate of the Squadron Officer School and the Air Force Air Command and Staff College. Rich retired in 1991 after 36 years of civilian employment at Scott Air Force Base as a senior facility planner. Mr. Isaak was a member of St. Mary's Church in Carlyle and was a past member of the church council and parochial school board. He was a Eucharistic minister and lector, and also coached CYO basketball at St. Mary's and served as parish athletic director for 25 years. Rich also coached little league baseball for 25 years and was past leader of Carlyle Explorer Scouts and Cub Scouts. He was a former member of the Carlyle Parks and Recreation Board, City Zoning Committee and TIF Committee. Mr. Isaak was a member and past Commander of the Catholic War Veterans, Post 1780, Carlyle American Legion Post 404, Carlyle Knights of Columbus Council 1382, Military Officers Association of America, the Bootscooters Dance Club and the St. Louis Metro Polka Club. He was also a member and past president of the Carlyle Jaycees, member of the Beckemeyer American Legion and Beckemeyer Legion Drill Team, the St. Louis Track Club, and the Reserve Officer's Association. Rich was an avid sports fan and enjoyed golfing, rooting for the Cardinals, and attending his grandchildren's activities. He participated in numerous running and biathlon events, including the St. Louis and Chicago Marathons. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at St. Mary's Church in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck, Celebrant. Inurnment with military honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Zieren Day Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. and on Wednesday from 8:00 - 9:30 A.M. Memorial donations in remembrance of Rich are suggested to the American Cancer Society or to St. Mary's Church window repair fund and will be received at the funeral home. Previous EventsVisitation Tuesday, June 17, 2014 Zieren Funeral Home 1111 Clinton Street Carlyle, IL 62231 Visitation Wednesday, June 18, 2014 Zieren Funeral Home 1111 Clinton Street Carlyle, IL 62231 Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, June 18, 2014 St. Mary's Church Jefferson Street Carlyle, IL 62231