Richard George Bickhaus died in his home on June 20, 2017 in Bloomington, Illinois and lost his four year battle with cancer. He passed peacefully with his family at his side.

Richard was born in Quincy, Illinois on July 22, 1940 to his parents Ernest and Henrietta (Steinkamp) Bickhaus. He was the youngest of their five children. Richard was a left-handed pitcher on the Catholic high school baseball team, where he also played basketball, football and tennis. He was very proud of the fact that his basketball team made it to the Illinois “Elite 16” tournament. Richard graduated from Notre Dame High School in Quincy, Illinois and went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois and his masters degree at Southern Illinois University. He pitched for both U of I and Southern’s baseball teams during his college years. After college, Richard taught high school business courses and served as a guidance counselor. He then went into the business world beginning in human resources at Quaker Oats, consulting with Ernst & Young and Benton Schneider. Richard started his own employment recruiting and consulting firm, Bickhaus & Associates, in 1987 and grew the business until his illness required all of his attention.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Tarter Bickhaus; his children from his first marriage, Fairel (Tom) Rank of Sugar Grove, Illinois, Brent (Kathleen) Bickhaus of Niles, Illinois, and Wynne (Will) Lacey of Oak Park, Illinois; his step-children Greg (Julie) Tarter and Jeff (Gina) Tarter; his brother Jim (Jane) Bickhaus; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert, Ernest Jr., and Willam.

Richard will be placed to rest with an entombment at Park Hill Mausoleum, Bloomington, Illinois on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. His graveside service will be at 1:00pm at Park Hill Mausoleum Chapel in Bloomington, Illinois following a private viewing. The family suggests memorials be made to the Community Cancer Center of Normal, Illinois or the University of Illinois Athletic Department.

Beck Memorial Home in Bloomington, Illinois is in charge of arrangements. Please view the obituary and share your condolences and memories online at www.beckmemorial.com