Richard J. Hesselbaum

Richard (Rick) John Hesselbaum, 72, of Oswego, died on August 17, 2023.  He was born in Aurora on February 22, 1951 to Ralph and Rosemary (Seidelman) Hesselbaum.

Rick is survived by his wife Nancy (Pawlowski); daughter Jenny (Bryan) Warren of DeKalb; son Jason Hesselbaum of Oswego; brother Randy (Donna) Hesselbaum of Sparta, Tennessee; grandchildren Maverick, Cooper and Paige Warren; and several nieces and a nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Rosemary and his brother Jeff.

Upon graduation from East Aurora High School in 1969, Rick received his degree from Northern Illinois University.  He spent his entire 42-year career with Caterpillar working in Purchasing, Information Services and Project Management.  He traveled to support special projects at sites including Sweden, Australia, Georgia and Texas. 

Rick was passionate about fishing and took many trips throughout the years to Kentucky Lake, Tennessee, Lake Erie and Florida. He was a 45-year Chicago Bears season ticket holder and especially loved the '85 Bears Super Bowl win. He loved cooking weeknight meals and big Sunday dinners - with a few extra special recipes passed down from his mother.  He could tell you where to get the best sweet corn each summer and was always up for a Gario's pizza. He and Nancy enjoyed taking their grandchildren on trips to Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wisconsin and also watching their various sporting events over the years.  He was a member and past president of the Tiger Athletic Club, a member of the Third Ward Club, St. George's and Turners Club.  He also enjoyed going to estate sales when he could.

A memorial service will take place from 4-8 pm on Friday, August 25th at Bauman Family Funeral Home 5600 Route 34 in Oswego.  Burial will be on Saturday at 11 am at Mt.Olivet Cemetery in Aurora.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the American Stroke Association.

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