Richard "Rick" J. Kocik,

Of Monee, IL passed away and entered eternal life on March 23, 2024 at the age of 68.  Rick was born on March 13, 1956 to Joseph and Bridget (Houston) Kocik in Joliet, IL. Rick graduated from Lockport Central High School while residing in Crest Hill, IL.

Rick is survived by his wife, Darlene Kocik; two wonderful children, Nicci (Chris) Londono, Joe (Katrina) Kocik; two stepchildren, Cassandra (Dan) Reid and Louis (Kristine) Hoelle, Jr.; former spouse, Lynn (Vince) Schuller; three brothers, Peter (Breda) Kocik, Jim (Char) Kocik, Mike (Theresa) Kocik; three grandchildren, Milliana Londono, Juliette Londono, and Lucy Kocik; four step-grandchildren, Liliana Reid, Louis Hoelle III, Dean Hoelle, and Vincent Hoelle; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; and sister-in-law, Katherine "Cookie" Vidrine.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bridget and Joseph Kocik; brother, John Kocik; and sister, Josie Kocher.

Rick first worked at Merichka's Restaurant while in high school, then after graduating high school he briefly worked at Bodie-Hoover Petroleum before he proudly started Ironworking and bought his first house at the very young age of 18. Soon after, he moved to Texas for a short time, but then returned to the Joliet area and continued working as an Ironworker for the majority of his career in the Chicagoland area. Rick would often say "yeah, I know where that's at -- as a matter of fact, I Built That Building!

Rick was full of life and loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was an incredibly loving man who embodied goodness and thoughtfulness. He loved spending time with family, despite often leaving family holidays a "little bit early!" In fact, he was happiest when he was spending time with his family – whether in Chicagoland, Arizona, Louisiana, or Florida.

Rick was a proud Dad and a proud Grandpa ("Papa"). He adored his grandchildren and step-grandchildren and they adored him – they even gave him the nickname of "Papa Couch Potato."

In his later years, Rick relished any opportunity to give a speech, whether as the Father of the Bride, at the 2017 Family Reunion, or at any type of celebration.

Rick will be remembered for his love of family, goodness, thoughtfulness, energetic & adventurous personality, colorful storytelling, willingness to try new things, fantastic sense of humor, and his infectious laugh.

Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Saturday, March 30th at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services at 11:00 A.M. For information please call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.CHSFUNERAL.com