Richard "Rick" E. Vrstal, 83 of Lena passed away on Monday, March 13, 2022 at SSM Monroe Hospital. He was born September 25, 1939, in Berwin, IL to Edward and Joan (Horna) Vrstal. He married Penelope Ford in 1959 and together they had Jeffrey, Martin, and Joseph their infant son who passed at birth. In his later years, Rick then went on the find the love of his life Sharon Wilson in 1990.

He liked to say he had worked for over 100 years between 30+ years of teaching, and 30+ years at JC Penny's, 40+ years as a photographer. During his teaching career he taught at Warren from 1962-1966 until he took a job at Lena-Winslow Jr. High where he taught Social Studies and took pictures at different sporting events for the yearbook until his retirement in 1993. He enjoyed taking pictures for wedding, senior pictures, wildlife, and nature. At many of his family gatherings you would find Rick taking candid photos. For many years he would take portraits and candid photos at the Bunny Hop as well as being the photographer for the Jo Daviess County Queens Pageant.   At JC Penny's he helped a lot of gentlemen find suiting for special events until he retired from  there in 2003.

He loved going to his children's, grandchildren's, great grandchildren's, niece's, nephew's events. He enjoyed cooking, sharing his recipes and gardening.  He loved the outdoors and went bow hunting and fishing along the Apple River. Throughout the years he traveled to many different places.

He is survived by his wife Sharon; children-Jeff Vrstal, Marty (Raeann) Vrstal; step children- Angie (Tim) Mazurkiewicz, Adam Wilson; grandchildren- Shayna (Scott) Lincoln, Lindsey (Dan) Yoder, Nick Vrstal (Chivone), Daphne Booth, Tiffany Vrstal (Matt Burkehalter), Christian (Isabelle Insko) Mazurkiewicz, Jadyn Mazurkiewicz, Braxton Mazurkiewicz, Mason Mazurkiewicz, Kameryn Wilson, and Lillie Wilson; great grandchildren- Brycen, Macyn, Lincoln, Max Vrstal, Jack Yoder, Kiah and Danny Guzman, Blake Ladow, Cooper, Anastasia, Evangeline Booth, Athena Burkehalter; brother- Jack Vrstal; sister- Kathy (Dan) McKean;  many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Joseph; sister-in-law- Janet Vrstal.

A Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Leamons Funeral Home in Lena,IL with a visitation from 10:00 AM till time of service.

Officiating will be Pastor Doug Carroll.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in his memory.