Richard “Rich” Joseph Wilhelm, born February 16, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away on August 22, 2026, in Temecula, California, surrounded by the love of his family. Rich lived a storied life filled with friends and family. 

Rich was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Donna Jeanne Wilhelm (Simpkins); his son Michael Joseph Wilhelm; his parents Jerome Wilhelm and Anna Hill (Broadbent); his brother Jerome “Pudge” Wilhelm (Joan); and his step-father Herbert Hill. He was first married to the late Judy Goetz (Schwartz). Rich is survived by his sisters Geraldine “Geri” Kolesar and Carol Spitz. 

Rich is also survived by his children: 

• Cynthia Rae Harrison (Kurt) 

• David Alan Wilhelm (Pam) 

• Richard Mickel Wilhelm (Brenda) 

• Nicholas Eugene Wilhelm 

He leaves behind grandchildren who brought him great pride and joy: Matthew (Meaghan), Eric (Lindsey), Gregory (Shikha), Alexandria, Benjamin (Brittany), and Bailey; and great-grandchildren Henley, Halen, Hendrix Harrison, and Lillian Wilhelm. 

A graduate of Lane Tech High School, Rich was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball. He was selected to the All-City Team and later played on the Navy Baseball Team while serving his country as a proud U.S. Navy veteran. 

Rich spent much of his professional life as an entrepreneur, owning and operating multiple beauty shops in Chicago and later in Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights, and Schaumburg. He also managed multi-unit residential properties in Palatine, Illinois, and in Southern California. His career later led him to serve as Director of Building Maintenance for the largest school district in California, a role that reflected his skill, reliability, and leadership. 

A craftsman at heart, Rich was a talented carpenter and woodworker who could often be found in his workshop, creating, repairing, or tinkering with projects that kept his hands busy and his mind sharp. 

Rich and Donna built a life together in Southern California, living in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and Lake Elsinore for more than four decades. Rich loved his dog Buddy, his constant companion. 

He cherished fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin, especially at Little Spider Lake at the Wihega Resort and Big Arbor Vitae Lake, where he found peace in the quiet rhythm of the water. He was a devoted member of the Moose Lodge in Lake Elsinore, where he formed lasting friendships and contributed to the community he loved. Among his fondest memories were vacations to Hawaii with Donna, a place they returned to regularly and treasured deeply. He will be missed by his family and friends. May he Rest in Peace with his friends and family that showed him the way. 

A celebration of life will be held in Illinois near family. Details to follow.