Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Richard Ray Katich, 76, of Gillespie, Ill., died at Heritage Health of Gillespie on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2022. He was born Dec. 1, 1945, in Litchfield, to John and Bessie Nitz Katich. He married Renee DeMartini on July 20, 1989, in Memphis, Tenn. She survives.

He was a grain and livestock farmer. He was a member of the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a member of SS Simon & Jude Church. Richard was a sports fan for anything his grandchildren were playing in, and he attended all family activities. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling to visit family. He loved spending time with his dog, Peaches.

Survivors include his wife, Renee Katich of Gillespie; children, Elise (David) Schwartz of Carlinville, Daniel (Kate) Katich of Batavia, Kevin (Therese) Polo of Carlinville, Keith (Donata Garrasi) Polo of Florence, Italy, Kristine (Anthony) Jarden of Bunker Hill; grandchildren, Derek, Colleen, Benjamin, Laura, Katie, Allegra, Jacob, Peter, Caroline, Alessandro, Adam, Maria, Meredith; brother, Roger (Bev) Katich of Gillespie; and many nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, at SS Simon and Jude Church in Gillespie. Burial was at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie.

Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7 or All-Weather Track. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanya funeral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie was in charge of arrangements.