A. "Rich" Richard Doose

A. Richard “Rich” Doose, beloved son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on October 31, 1941, in Melrose Park, Illinois, Rich was the cherished son of Hazel (née Scott) and Albert John Doose.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol A. Doose (née Schroeder); children, Denise Doro and Richard “Rick” Doose; cherished grandchildren, Alexandria (Michael) Graziano, Kevin (Melanie) Doose, Rachel Doose, and Samantha Doro; and dear great-grandchildren, Gemma, Celeste, Maylee, and Dillon. He also leaves behind many dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Richard was the son of a cement mason and a coil winder at Jefferson Electric. Richard and Carol met at Roosevelt Jr. High School in Bellwood, Illinois. Together they spent 27 years raising their family in Palatine before moving to Lake Summerset, Illinois after retiring at age 58. Rich enjoyed the peaceful country life and hosting his children and grandchildren for summer escapes, including boating at the lake.

Richard enjoyed travelling pre-and post-retirement. Pre-retirement focused on cruising and international trips (Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand), while post-retirement focused on travelling the U.S. in a motorhome, driving as far as Alaska. He enjoyed hosting grandchildren in the motorhome during spring breaks and summer vacations. Richard was infamous with friends and family for his vacation photography and hours-long 8mm slide shows upon his return home.

Trains were a common theme throughout his life. During his childhood, Richard took a cross-country train ride from Chicago to California with his mother. He built a model railway in the basement of his parents' Bellwood home that was featured in the local paper. In his twenties, Richard worked at the Chicago & North Western Railway Proviso Yard. Later in life, he enjoyed day-trip train rides with his wife and family while vacationing.

Through the course of Richard’s working career he owned many small businesses: CB Sales and Service, Carpet Sales and Service, True Value Hardware Store, Commercial Cabinetry, and his biggest venture, CASS Construction, a commercial construction business. His work ethic and determination carried him far in all of his endeavors.

Richard’s hobbies included travelling, bicycling, woodworking, and scuba diving. In addition, he sat on several boards and committees for Woodhaven Lakes, Lake Summerset, and the Underwater Archeological Society of Chicago. Richard was even featured in the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald for his efforts with the Underwater Archeological Society:

Diving Into History, Written by Paula Lauer, Chicago Tribune, September 4, 1994. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pw-e1Tnr8fwWXHA7YlwtsEE03IC2WWpx/view

Shipwrecked-Hidden treasures litter the bottom of Lake Michigan, Written by Lisa Friedman Miner, Daily Herald, September 18, 1995. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v-KMeD1fjRXaf5zUqLH7v0LkCxFRzAkP/view

Another passion of his was volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, building homes in the Rockford area helping to provide safe and affordable housing.

Richard was a protective, gentle giant, known as “Big Grandpa” or “Big” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved his family and friends and was always happy when he was around family pets.

He will be greatly missed by his loving friends and family.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Mariella Memory Care in Arlington Heights for their compassion and care while Richard was part of their community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Link: https://www.alz.org/

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.