Jan F. Rische, 77, a resident of Grayslake, IL, passed away unexpectedly March 15, 2026 at his home.

He was born March 14, 1949 in Barrington, IL to Frank and Sheila Rische. Jan is survived by his wife Lori (née Craig) his sons Shane (Bianca) and Brent, his siblings Kurt (Terry), Scott (Laurie), Mark (Lynn), Kim (Nancy), Kevin (Iva), Holly, Christopher, Craig (Jean), Forrest (Wendy), David, Troy (Elyse), Rebecca (Jim) Lambiris and “extra” sister Kathy Stepp along with 59 nieces and nephews.

Jan was creative from the get-go, devising games and activities to keep all the siblings busy and active. He invented table games and outside adventure games in dangerous weather. Jan was the backbone of everyone’s creative spirit.

In earlier years, his friend group was about music and games, television football and foosball. They gathered at his place and made music and games and had conversations delving into politics and art.

He later took drafting classes which allowed him to join Exhibit by Design as a Detailer; where he would later meet his wife of 35 years, Lori. Their move to Grayslake and two boys followed shortly after marriage. His family were his reason for being here and what he had been waiting for all his life.

His love of baseball and the Cubs was shared with Lori, Shane, and Brent as he went on to coach many GYBA little league teams with a strong focus on the fundamentals. Fielding ground balls with plywood paddles may have been overkill but he had eight year olds turning two. If you were on Jan’s team, rest assured you had no choice but to learn the fundamentals. His players were never reprimanded for missing a play, but rather making a play with only one hand or not getting your body in front of the ball.

Ever present at sporting events not only of his own children but nieces and nephews; he maintained a passion for male & female high school sports. Jan was always ready to report on the happenings of the Grayslake Rams and Barrington Broncos sports world.

He was an artist and musician in his own way, not wanting to or seeming to like the spotlight. Beyond the canvas no scrap of paper or bill envelope could escape becoming an irreverent doodle. Rarely without his guitar, he could be found at family gatherings, singing softly from a corner, where you may be invited to pick up his guitar and take a turn with a song of their own. At home, he kept watch from his front porch beside his beloved golden Ryder, always ready to share a conversation with anyone who passed by, often long enough that strangers became friends.

He maintained a way of engaging with everyone and his singular way of talking to kids with respect and deference. Neither quick to correct nor praise, he seemed to prefer sharing his pride or admiration indirectly, though never hid it. There was never a black and white way to do things; Jan believed it paramount that those close to him find their own way in life.

A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. Interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made to Choroideremia Research Foundation https://curechm.org.

“The first tree fell today, 77 years on the day, he is here though the canopy changes, his roots still remain.” -Grace Mckenna Rische

For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.