Richard "Dick" Kolze

Visitation for Richard “Dick” Kolze, 94, of Inverness, will be held from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Family and friends will meet directly at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 E. Palatine Road, Palatine on Saturday, October 26, 2024, where Visitation will continue from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. The Interment will be private.

Richard (Dick) was born in Schiller Park, Illinois on October 22, 1929, to his late parents, Harold and Alice Kolze. Dick was preceded in death by Jean, his loving wife of 70 years and their son, Timothy A. Kolze. Dick was most proud of his family. He is survived by his sons: Michael R. (Kim), Jack T. and Richard T. (Maralyn). He and Jean had seven grandchildren: Melanie, Meghan (Nate Bargar), Shannon (Michael Mauro), Michael (Alyssa), Ricky (Jenny), Mara (Chad Walker) and Courtney (Ben) Hay. In addition, he is survived by ten great grandchildren: Colin and Bradley Bargar; Matthew, Gabriella, Gianna Mauro; Peyton, Quentin, Michael, Johnathan and Daniel Kolze. He is also survived by his devoted caretaker, Gemma Mosqueda.

Dick grew up in Palatine where his parents operated a dairy farm. He graduated from Palatine High School in 1947. In later years, he was named a Distinguished Graduate and a member of the Palatine High School Athletic Hall of Fame. After high school, he attended Northern Illinois University where he received a teaching certificate and met Jean. They were married in June of 1951. During their long marriage they were devoted partners.

Dick served in the military during the Korean War. After service, he attended the University of Illinois where he earned his Master's Degree in Educational Administration. He began his teaching career in Crystal Lake in 1954. In 1957 he returned to Palatine to teach and coach at Palatine High School. In 1967-68, while on leave from teaching, he attended Indiana University where he earned a Doctorate in School Administration. He returned to District 211 in 1968. He became Superintendent of Township High School District 211 in 1970. He served in that position until his retirement in 1990. The William Fremd High School Auditorium bears his name.

During his retirement, he served on the Harper College Board of Trustees for twelve years. He was the Board President for four of those years. One of the interior perimeter roads surrounding the Campus is called Dick Kolze Lane.

Dick was a longtime member and Past-President of the Rotary Club of Palatine. He was also a Mason and a Shriner. He held memberships in the Northwest Suburban Shrine Club and the Medinah Shrine Center. He was a member of St. Paul Church in Palatine for many years. Dick served in many appointed and volunteer positions in the community and in his profession.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Timothy A. Kolze Scholarship Fund, Harper College Educational Foundation, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine, Illinois 60067 or to St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, Illinois 60067.