Richard "Dick" R. Jungels – April 11, 1938-December 17, 2020 Richard "Dick" Jungels passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020 at home with his loving wife of 22 years, Dianna, and his dear cousin, Jack O'Brien, at his side. He was 82 years old and a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois. Dick loved Joliet and was known in many different roles to many people, but regardless of how you knew him, you would not forget him. A husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, of course, while many others knew him as coach, teammate, proud business owner "Diamond Dick", builder, outdoorsman, helper, and almost always the teller of tall tales. Dick was born on April 11, 1938 in Joliet, Illinois and raised along with two sisters by two hard working, faith-filled and loving parents, Richard T. and Grace (Kubinski) Jungels. He attended St. Patrick Grade School and, in his later years, told Huck Finn-like stories about growing up in Joliet at that time. Apparently, it wasn't uncommon for him to climb tall trees and have someone chop them down while riding high in the treetops. (Don't try to fact check this … remember the Teller of Tall Tales referenced earlier.) His beloved German Shepard, Flash, was a constant at his side, and it was during these years that he helped his father build the ranch house on the prairie where he remained until his last day. He attended Joliet Catholic High School where he played baseball and football and made countless lifelong friends. Dick loved Joliet Catholic and remained a die-hard Hilltoppers football fan throughout his life. He attended several state title football games which brought him great joy. It was also around this time that his passion for fitness and weightlifting took root. Anyone who shook his hand, even in his last days, can attest that his lifetime of (mostly) clean living and physical work gave him extraordinary strength. Some say he could crush walnuts with his fist. Throughout his life in Joliet, he was no stranger to the YMCA, Charlie Club, or any handball court he could find. His many trophies were a testament to his physical abilities and competitive spirit. Dick left high school early to embark on a calling that would truly define him as sailor in the U.S. Navy. He would often share stories of his time on the USS Des Moines (aka Daisy Mae) and the exotic ports of call he visited as a young man ... Greece, Turkey, and Germany to name a few. He couldn't have been prouder of his service to the country and often wore Navy garb around town. It wasn't uncommon for him to salute any U.S. flag he happened across. Dick was a true patriot with a genuine love for God and country. Upon returning to civilian life from the Navy, Dick took up a profession that would further define him. He decided to become a painter like his father before him. Richard T. Jungels Painting (Later Diamond Painting) was born, and through his hard work he provided a great life for his family. For the better part of 50 years, his company provided jobs for extended family and anyone willing to put in a hard day's work. He loved pointing to work he did at St. Francis University, Guardian Angels, and other Joliet landmarks. He was an extraordinary artist who had the remarkable ability to completely transform countless run-down buildings throughout the area. About this same time, Dick married Patricia Pumphrey, with whom he raised three children – Craig, Christine, and Jennifer – and remained together until 1993. Dick, often with his father Richard T, worked while Pat stayed home with the kids. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed family time spent in places he loved – Lake Geneva, Coal City Club, Wrigley Field Chicago, and of course Siesta Key, Florida. (His property in Siesta Key brought joy to many family and friends, and his footprints will grace those white, sugary sands forever.) He traveled the North American continent with his mother and father several times, fishing and sight-seeing the Canadian North. He and Pat traveled whenever they could to exotic locales like Acapulco, Hawaii, and the western U.S. Dick was an avid outdoorsman. He fished with family and friends in places including Ontario Canada (many times), Wolf River, Wisconsin (too many times to count), and almost every lake in Illinois including Lake Michigan. His fishing career culminated with a wall-hanger Muskie caught and released at Lake Kinkaid, Illinois during a fishing trip with his son, Craig, in 2013. He proudly told everyone who would listen – and Dick liked to talk – about his epic battle with that toothy monster for years afterward. In the early 1990s, Dick found his current love, Dianna, whom he married in September of 1998. They began a life together in the infamous "Jungels Tree Hut", a beautiful oasis built into the upper level of an industrial building, which became a special place for grandchildren to visit and play. They worked together to build Dianna's business, allowing Dick to slow down - just a bit. They traveled together often and sometimes with family to Las Vegas, Sedona, and of course Siesta Key. In 2006, they moved into Dick's childhood home and restored it lovingly to its glory. To this day, all are welcome for holiday gatherings or just a quick visit in the secret garden around back. Words cannot adequately describe this man who meant so much to so many. Masterful maker of chocolate milkshakes and popcorn (and chocolate eater), skilled craftsman, expert seatbelt and beach umbrella improviser, long perfected golf swing-er, magic maker, deep philosophical thinker and conversationalist, teacher, and above all, giver. Anyone who knew Dick would attest to his unselfish, cheerful, and helpful nature. He was first to help others and the last to leave. With his childlike heart, little ones always gravitated to "Uncle Dickie", who laughed without restraint at the simple absurdities in the world and made everything fun. He will be sorely missed, but the impact he made on those who knew him lives on. The void he leaves and the love he gave is insurmountable. Dick is survived by his wife Dianna (Niswonger) Jungels; sisters Marsha (Sonny) Etheridge and Joyce Narducci; son Craig (Marsha), daughter Christine Helin, and sons-in-law Biff Helin and Steve Colnar. He was blessed with eight grandchildren (Justin, Emily, and Jake Helin; Dylan, Mason, and Brandeline Jungels; Gabe and Gavin Colnar; and one great-grandchild, Mia Jungels. He also leaves his stepson, Matthew (Kim) Meth, mother-in-law, Anne Niswonger, and brother-in-law, Joe Niswonger. Dick also loved and was loved by many nieces and nephews, along with their spouses and children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard T and Grace (nee Kubinski) Jungels; precious daughter, Jennifer (Jungels) Colnar – whose side he never left throughout her battle with breast cancer, despite his breaking heart; and brother-in-law Harold Niswonger. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 3-6 p.m. at Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Road, Joliet IL 60435 https://www.carlsonholmquistsayles.com. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, occupancy will be limited, visitors are required to wear a mask, and should expect wait time. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care https://rainbowhospice.org. The family would especially like to thank Leo, Glenda, Kenya, Toni, and the Rainbow Hospice staff for their kind dedication to helping care for Dick in recent years. He loved each of you and your efforts will never be forgotten.