Richard W. Beilke

Richard “Dick” W. Beilke, 85 passed away early Monday August 28, 2017 in Mayo Clinic Hospital, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Richard was born on July 16, 1932 in Chicago, Ill. Richard was adopted by Charles and Ruth Beilke in 1932. Richard was raised as an only child on the family farm outside of Stillman Valley, Ill. In his early teens the family moved to Rockford, Ill.

Richard graduated from East High School. He worked at Sundstrand as an Electrical Apprentice. He enlisted in the army in spring of 1951 and served for 3 years including a tour of duty in Korea.

Richard returned to Rockford and his job at Sunstrand.   Richard left Sunstrand and began working for the Chrysler Corporation in Belvidere, Ill. Richard retired from Chrysler. Richard found his true calling when he opened the Maid-Rite restaurant in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He owned and operated the Maid-Rite for 26 years until closing the restaurant in November of 2016.  Richard enjoyed serving the community food. He donated his time and food at the holidays to serve the Rotary Club while they decorated the park for the Christmas Holiday. Richard made many close friends during his Maid-Rite time. No one left the Maid-Rite hungry.

Richard had many hobbies throughout his life. He enjoyed flying airplanes and helicopters and his collection of railroad memorabilia was second to none.

Richard is survived by his son Scott (Korrinna) Glass and his grandsons William and Cole Glass all of Cherry Valley, Ill.  His son Michael Latham of Tomah, Wis. Cousins Joan and Bill Jory of Rockford, Ill., and Dr. Kip and Eileen Knight of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his dog Lady.

Family and friends may visit from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home-Nelson Chapel, 1007 Caledonia St., La Crosse, Wis. Private family burial will take place at Stillman Valley Cemetery, Kishwaukee, Ill.