Richard F. Wells, 81, of Genoa, IL died Sunday, February 21, 2021 in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

He was born October 10, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Leo and Vilma Wells.  He married Jean Kadlubowski on June 3, 1961 in Chicago, IL.

Richard had an incredible love for the Lord. He was a long time member of St. Catherine of Siena in West Dundee and an active member of St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Genoa, IL where he was a daily mass attendee. He also was a third degree Knights of Columbus member.

Dick enjoyed many hobbies including collecting and refinishing antique furniture, fishing, going on cruises, and line dancing with his wife, Jean.  They would have been married 60 years this June.  In their years together, they enjoyed many adventures which included raising seven children and traveling the world.  They spent the summers in Genoa, IL enjoying family and the winter months in Cocoa Beach, Florida enjoying the sunshine.

One of his most recent and cherished memory was the celebration of his 80 ^th birthday. His children dubbed him "St. Richard" and each shared their favorite memory and their best lesson learned from him.  Richard had a golden soul!  Although soft spoken, you knew he loved you by his actions.  He was a selfless man who worked hard and sacrificed everything for his family whom he loved so much.  Words can't describe how much this humble man will be missed.  We know he is enjoying the complete glory of heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife Jean and his children: Joanne (Scott) Ballard, Jeanette (Kent) Strohmaier, Jeanine (Greg) Yoder, Richard Wells, Ronald (Amy) Wells, Julianne (Brian) Long, and Ryan (Lisa) Wells. Grandchildren: Jericca (Jonathon) Held, Janessa (Dale) Swetman, Jeanna (Scott) Ballard, Jeanelle (Brian) Iben, Lauren (Adam) Strohmaier, Andrea Strohmaier, Grant Yoder, Jeremy Yoder, Riley Wells, Ava Wells, Jocelyn Long, Brenton Long, Ryan Wells, Ashley Wells, Randall Wells. Great Grandchildren: Whitley and Weller Iben, Jeanlyn and Jolie Held.  Brother: Ken (Leslie) Wells.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leo (Bucky) and sister Susan.

His funeral service will be on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Catherine of Genoa Roman Catholic Church, 340 South Stott Street, Genoa, IL.  Rev.  Donald Ahles and Rev. Zdzislaw Francis Wawryszuk will be officiating. Burial will be at St. Catherine's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send mass intentions to St. Catherine of Genoa Catholic Church in care of the Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main St., Genoa, IL. 60135

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com