Shirley Virginia (Ilg) Rieck

Rieck, Shirley (nee Ilg), of Des Plaines, age 85 passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Lord at her home on November 30, 2020 surrounded by her children.  Born in Chicago and a graduate of Waller High School, Shirley was a proud first generation American and the daughter of immigrant Swiss parents.  Married to Bill for 44 years, they were dedicated partners in love and life.  Together they were devoted members of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and business partners, as owners of Rieck’s Ace Hardware in Park Ridge.

But above all other things, beyond being a social organizer of many events, a talented pianist, a sun-worshiper on the pier of Norman B Barr Camp, and a three time cancer survivor, Shirley will be remembered by her friends, family and children as a woman of strength who uplifted, inspired and guided her family to lead lives as hard-working and  joy-filled as hers.  Her infectious grace, tenacity, acceptance of others, endless energy to experience life and unconditional love guided us all.  She showed us what we could become and how to overcome adversity.  Shirley lived life on her own terms.   

Shirley is survived by her four daughters Susan (Joel) Finkle; Barb (John) Malm; Karen Rieck (Ron Banks); and Linda (Paul) Riportella; 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many others who called her Grandma.

 In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to St Paul’s United Church of Christ at spucc.org or Norman B Barr Camp, a Christian camp that provides free summer camp for those in need at normanbarrcamp.org.  Services will be live-streamed on Saturday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m. on www.spucc.org/streaming.  Friends are invited to join graveside services at Eden’s Memorial Park Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.  Please see Cooney Funeral Services website at cooneyfuneralhome.com for details.   

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