Richard “Dick” Schmaedeke spent his life helping others navigate some of their most difficult moments. For more than 60 years, he served as a funeral director at Schmaedeke Funeral Homes in Worth and Orland Park, where his calm presence, empathy, and deep respect for ritual became a source of comfort to thousands of grieving families.
Dick passed away on August 26, 2025. He was 86.
To understand Dick’s calling, you have to start where his story began: in a house in Orland Park that doubled as the community’s first funeral home.
Born in 1939 to Orville and Martha Schmaedeke, Dick grew up watching his parents care for neighbors in times of loss. From them, he learned reverence, respect, and the importance of tradition, values that would shape not only his career but the way he lived his life.
But Dick was far from solemn. Those who knew him best remember a man who delighted in the little things, someone who gave unusual gifts, created new traditions, and brought joy to even the most ordinary moments.
Music was one of his lifelong passions. Dick loved to dance, drum, and travel, often seeking out new experiences wherever he went. He also enjoyed sailing and sharing those quiet, wind-filled afternoons on the water with family and friends.
Beyond his work and hobbies, Dick poured his time and energy into the community. He served on the boards of Sertoma, the Worth Lions Club, the Palos Heights and Orland Park Chambers of Commerce, and Palos Bank. He was also proud to have served his country as a member of the Air Force Reserve.
At the heart of it all was family.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Janeen (née Wall), who cared for him with devotion during his illness. He was a loving father to Randy Schmaedeke, Rhonda (Tyson) Waneka, and the late Reed Schmaedeke; a cherished stepfather to Patrick Barnes (Jennifer Talbot) and Kara (William) Westphal; and a proud grandfather to Madison (John) Conkin, Caroline Reed, Mia and Keely Collins, and Jace Waneka. He also leaves behind step-grandchildren Colette and Finnley Barnes and Grace, Maggie, and Aiden Mintle, along with great-granddaughter Remi Conkin.
Dick’s warmth extended to his siblings and extended family as well. He was the dear brother of the late Barbara (David) Sheldon, a treasured brother-in-law to Fr. Jack Wall, Jim Wall, and Mary Kay Wall, and a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation and a Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, beginning at 4 p.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams, Chicago. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5 p.m. Complimentary parking will be available at 625 S. DesPlaines, and the Mass will also be live-streamed at https://livestream.oldstpats.org/funerals-and-memorials/events/dick-schmaedeke.
A private burial will take place Thursday, Sept. 4.
In the end, Dick Schmaedeke will be remembered not only for his decades of professional service but for the countless ways he elevated everyday life — through compassion, generosity, and a knack for turning even simple moments into cherished memories.