First Sergeant (Ret.) Richard Dale Winterfeld, Jr.

First Sergeant (Ret.) Richard D. Winterfeld Jr. passed away surrounded by family on Friday, January 30th 2026.

The oldest of 6 children born to Cookie and Richard Sr. on April 10,1961. He would grow into a close-knit family with the cousins always playing around Grandma’s house. He attended Swanton High School and after a drum major camp, he transformed from this quiet kid to the loud and funny man everyone knew and loved.

After a heart to heart with his father, he dedicated his life to service in the United States Army. He went to basic training and airborne school at Fort Benning, GA. While on leave, he was introduced to Rhonda Leary who would later become his wife. They raised her two children, Melissa and Joshua, together in Ohio before having their son Richard III.

At the time, Richard and Rhonda worked for Boroughs which later became Unisys. This change led them to a life in Illinois. After moving into their home in Streamwood, their daughter Sara was born. Once she started school, Richard took on the responsibility of being the working spouse. He would work with various companies as a civilian between family time and military obligations.

Over 36 and a half years, he would serve on active duty as an infantryman with both the Ohio and Illinois National Guard, deploying to places like Panama, Germany, Afghanistan, and many stops between. Richard was actively involved with the VFW Post 5151, VFW Post 8598, as well as the Village of Streamwood Veteran’s Commission Board. He never missed an opportunity to thank a fellow veteran for their service and honor those who sacrificed it all. He retired as a First Sergeant out of HHC in October of 2016, where his son now holds the same position.

After his wife’s passing in 2021, he decided it was time to retire from his civilian work as a warehouse manager at Champro Sports and move back to Ohio. Before his home was packed and plans were in place, he received a cancer diagnosis. He put on his best attitude and took everything this battle put in front of him.

Richard retired in 2023 and moved his treatment to UTMC. Being back and around family and friends, he took up a new hobby - Bird Watching. He would frequently update his fellow Swanton residents on the wildlife that came to his property. The local avian population always knew that a feast was waiting for them.

He decided to discontinue any medical treatments in late 2025 and spend that time at home with his loved ones. He departed this life the way he came in – loved and full of love to give.

In respect of Richard’s wishes, there will be no services held.

Memorial donations can be made to the DAV - Disabled American Veterans

Dav.org