Richard K. Pals

Rich Pals, 73, a resident of Crystal Lake, and formerly a 68 year resident of Palatine, passed away October 25th at home after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s. As he passed he was embraced by his wife Nikki (nee Nicola) of 35 years and surrounded by family.

Loving father to JoAnn (Kenneth) Larsen and Karl Pals, grandfather to Michael, Mikaela and Joshua Larsen, brother of Maryann (the late Frank) Hummel and James Pals. He will be missed by BDB sister-in-law Tamis (Michael) Dunderdale and best friend William F. Beck and family who were of great support through his illness.

Before being “invited” to join the Army, Rich worked in the family tavern/restaurant Charlotte’s in Barrington/Palatine. It was there he met his first wife Christine. Now that Rich has joined his Mom, Charlotte, and Dad, Herman, you will be able to get the best thin crust pizza in heaven.

After the Army, Rich opened Pals Pets first in Palatine then relocating to Rolling Meadows. For 20 years it became a place where customers became friends.

After family, Rich loved to just get in the car and drive, the Chicago Cubs, Da Bears, sprint cars and his pets.

Many thanks to Journey Care Hospice, they made it possible for Rich to be cared for at home.

Donations can be made in Richard’s name to Journey Care, 405 Lake Zurich Road, Barrington, IL 60010 or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:30am on Friday, October 28 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington will follow.

For information call the funeral home at 815-459-1760. Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.