Richard Staley File

It is impossible to capture a 47 year love story within the confines of an obituary, but Dad, Gramps, Brother, Uncle, GGramps, and Husband, more correctly “my sweet baboo,” are how we begin. What a life he lived. Guided by humility and honesty, he showered his community with countless blessings.

After 34 years as a 7th grade math teacher, his former students continued to approach him with gratitude for teaching them far more than mathematics. He had the rare ability to “see” them as good kids, offering help and humor that they could connect with meaningfully. His famous T-shirt contest - which required students to recognize when he wore the same shirt twice in one semester to earn extra credit - was legendary.

He loved his sports; the joy he brought to them was contagious. He was a varsity athlete in both baseball and basketball, coaching his children on several occasions and never turning down the nearly constant request, "Dad, do you wanna play catch?" He was a lifelong and devoted fan of the Saint Louis Cardinals, taking wins and losses with the same calm steadiness that marked his character.

After leaving the classroom, he picked up a bicycle and proceeded to roll over a few thousand miles of rails and trails, bringing his children into a connection with nature and cycling that they all enjoy to this day. Dick enthusiastically participated in PAC RACC (Pantagraph Area Cyclists Ride Around Corn Country), a three-day, 220-mile ride, for all 15 years, proudly wearing bib number 007. The Hilly Hundred, Apple Cider Century, and Files Fitful Fifty were other favorite rides that added to the many miles and memories. Oh, the stories our kids tell about those good times together.

Then he picked up his old Taylor guitar again and formed a band that lasted 20 years, The Old Men Boys. Many of you have some of the CDs, but more of you probably carry the memories. Wanting to give back to the music community, the band formed the listening-room concert series called Dawg House Concerts, bringing renowned touring bluegrass artists to perform at the CoffeeHound in downtown Bloomington.

A particular shout out is warranted for his incredible work helping the BEA negotiate a contract for the teachers of District 87 in 1970 and 1971; teachers today still benefit from that initial contract! And just two more significant accomplishments.

Dick was a founding member of the Society of Books established in 1990…. fondly known as the “SOB’s," they continue to meet and share their thoughts on books. And he was a serious practitioner of Chen style tai chi. He completed all 48 forms, and when he could no longer move his body, he practiced the forms in his mind.

And finally, in closing, there is our love story. I married a good man, a gentle man, a music man, such a funny man, a man who ALWAYS said YES to me, who ALWAYS supported my dreams and quirks, whose love and generosity enfolded all my fears and past heartbreaks and made me whole again. Above and beyond all measure, he cherished his children and grandchildren and lived for their happiness, the wonder and joy of them.

God’s grace upon you, my Sweet Baboo. See you in the sunflowers.

Richard is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Staley Krause (partner Mike Krause), Richard File-Muriel (partner Maria del Pilar File-Muriel), Jon Fritzen (partner Julie Howell), and April Fritzen (partner Steve Fritzen, deceased); grandson Collin Krause (partner Kayla Krause), granddaughter Sawyer Krause, grandson Marco Fritzen, grandson Hans Peter Fritzen, and granddaughter Natalie Kay Fritzen; brothers, William File (partner Barbara) and David File (partner Patricia); and currently, five blessed great-grandchildren; Staley, Sadler, Zara, Paxton and Arlo.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Friends of Constitution Trail.

We also wish to acknowledge the lovely care and support we received from Carle Hospice…. with a special note of gratitude to our nurse Heather.

We will celebrate his wonderful life in the spring at Lexington Social on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 1-3 pm.