Richard Allen Liebenow

November 1, 1943 - February 11, 2025

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard Allen (Dick) Liebenow, 81, of Wheaton passed away February 11, 2025.

Dick was born in Berwyn, Illinois, the third of four children born to Gilbert and Isky (Cole) Liebenow.  When Dick was four years old the family moved from Oak Park to the little town of Mt. Prospect, Illinois where they watched it grow into a thriving suburb.  A curious child, Dick loved taking things apart to see how they worked.  His mother's happiest day was when he learned how to put things back together. This served him well as he later was a "Mr. Fix-It" for family and friends.  Dick's strong work ethic began in his younger years when he delivered early morning newspapers to about 100 subscribers.  At Prospect High School, Dick played trombone in the various bands and showcased his athletic strength on the gymnastics team, where his routines on the high bar and the still rings took him to state level competitions. He continued gymnastics at the University of Iowa, which included flying on a trapeze over a swimming pool, until an injury doing the iron cross on the rings ended his career.

Dick crossed paths with his future wife, Karen Key, in 1960 when they first met at youth camp and again six years later in 1966 when they were in a Chicago area young adult church group.  A wedding planned for June 1968 was delayed by Uncle Sam, as Dick was drafted into the Army.  After military police training, Dick and Karen were married on July 25, 1968, and moved to Ft. Dix, New Jersey where Dick was stationed.  His MP job included researching fraudulent benefit claims and locating soldiers who had gone AWOL.

After discharge from the Army in 1970, Dick began his 37-year career as a computer programmer at the Harris Bank (now BMO) in Chicago.   His keen problem-solving skills were an asset to the work he was given.  One particular challenge came along in 2000 (Y2K)  as he worked on converting the bank's computers to the new century date.  While many were concerned about potential computer errors, Dick was not. He said if they did their job right, the conversion would go smoothly…and it did.

The '70s saw the family grow with the births of their three children, Todd, Scott and Beth.  Dick was so very proud of his kids.  He delighted in telling their stories to coworkers and displaying many pictures of them in his work area.  Those parenting years found Dick happily supporting their activities such as marching band, volleyball, baseball, Cub Scouts, choir and church.  Later when grandchildren started arriving, Dick found great joy in babysitting, chauffeuring and cheering them on in their various music or sports activities.

Over the years Dick lived out his faith by serving in various roles at Village Green Baptist Church in Glen Ellyn, IL.  He was a deacon, treasurer and worship leader.  The family served with the P.O.W.E.R. Company, a creative arts ministry, where Dick could be found building sets and electrical props, painting, changing scenery and anything else that was needed, including driving vans full of high school students on summer mission trips.  Many wonderful memories were made in the 20+ years the family traveled and ministered with this team across the country.

Additionally, Dick had a big passion for music, which was always playing in the house or in the car while driving.  Dick was known for his clear, tenor voice and it was evident to all that music was in his soul.  His desire to convey the song's message with excellence was apparent, whether singing with a choir or as a soloist.  His music ministry was frequently a blessing to the church for worship services and special celebrations.

After retirement, Dick enjoyed fellowship with members of the B.R. Ryall YMCA as he returned to regular exercise.  A 2016 diagnosis of Parkinson's disease did not stop him from staying active.  In fact, Dick was one of the "Founding Fathers" of a new Parkinson's class the Y began offering around that time. Dick never complained about his condition.  He never asked, "Why me?"  In his typical, quiet way, with God's strength, he took each day as it was given.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and his brother John Liebenow. Surviving to miss him are his wife of 56 years, Karen, his children Todd (Amie) Liebenow, Scott (Cathy) Liebenow and Beth (Dan) Maas; grandchildren Samantha (Hayden) Ackley, McKenna (Michael) Lee, Tim Liebenow, Mark Liebenow, Ella Maas, Kyrah Maas, Casey Maas, Mia Liebenow, Joel Maas and Maya Maas; great-grandson, Graham Lee; sisters Judy (Larry) Pitts and Nancy (Bob) Kane; sister-in-law Marian Liebenow, sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Rich Schuda; many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service for Dick will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at the Village Green Baptist Church, 200 S Lambert Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Visitation: 9:30-10:30 am

Celebration of Life: 10:30 am

The service for Dick with be livestreamed, to watch please click here .

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to support the Parkinson Disease Research Fund at Rush University Medical Center. Memorial checks can be made out to "Rush University Medical Center" and sent to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or visit https://rushgiving.com/Parkinsonstribute