Richard "Rick" M. Mandzen

Richard "Rick" Michael Mandzen, Jr., 52, of Machesney Park, passed away suddenly on Thursday, October 26, 2017.  He was born on June 23, 1965, the son of Richard and Mary Mandzen.  Rick was a Guilford graduate of 1983 and studied at Rock Valley College.

Rick joined in marriage to his best friend, Leslie (Pruitt) Mandzen of Rockford, IL. They were truly inseparable, enjoying long trips, family gatherings, and motorcycle riding. Rick was always searching for the next new adventure on his bike.  He enjoyed times with special friends, Tom Edwards and Greg Zimmer and many others.  

Above all, he was a loving Father to sons, Mark and Eric.  On the day his children were born, Rick's eyes welled up with tears as he welcomed them into the world.  His boys were his pride and joy.  Rick’s greatest joy was when his boys started playing hockey at four years old.  He was at every practice and every game and loved every moment of those years.

He was employed as a Service Manager by Precision Automotive Diesel for nearly 30 years, working closely with owner and friend, Mike Eighmy and many other long-term co-workers.

He leaves behind wife, Leslie (Pruitt) Mandzen; parents, Richard and Mary Mandzen, Sr.; sons, Mark and Eric along with their mother, Angie Mandzen; sister, Tammy (Tony) Badaluco; nieces, Lauryn (William) Mandzen Cole, Maiya Johnson, Devyn McNeany; great-niece and nephews, Zayn, Xandyr, Harpyr, step-children, Ashley, Amanda, Ethan; and grandchildren, Bella, Eli, Jionni and Mya. Predeceased by sister, Victoria Johnson; grandparents, Robert and Margaret Datschefski; and grandmother, Pauline Mandzen

Service will be at 6:30pm with a Visitation from 3:00 until 6:30pm on Thursday, November 2, 2017 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a foundation close to Rick’s heart.

 Service Information