Richard W. Walters

Richard William Walters, 86, of Mundelein, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2025. Born on June 15, 1939, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, he was the son of William and Bernice Walters.

Richard graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1957, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque in 1962, and later received his Master of Education from the University of Georgia in 1969. On May 13, 1961, he married the love of his life, Marilynn Roelle, in Dubuque, Iowa. Together, they settled in Grayslake, Illinois, where they raised their three children.

A devoted educator, Richard spent 31 years teaching math, including 29 years with Grayslake School District 46, where he taught 5th, 7th, and 8th grade. During summers and school breaks, he enjoyed a second career as a Greyhound bus driver, a job that allowed him to meet people from all walks of life.

Richard was deeply involved in his community and faith. He was a longtime member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, where he served in many roles. A dedicated member of the Grayslake Lions Club since 1987, he was honored to be elected District 1-F Governor in 2005–2006. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity from 1994–1996. In 2019, he became a member of Wildwood Presbyterian Church.

Outside of his work and service, Richard enjoyed stained glass window making, gardening, and traveling with Marilynn, his brother Ron, and sister-in-law Janie—together visiting all seven continents. He was a loyal Chicago sports fan, especially of the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, and proudly cheered on his favorite college teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Georgia Bulldogs.

Above all, Richard was a family man. His greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved most.

Richard is survived by his children, Deanna (Edwin) Brown of Grayslake, IL, Melissa (David) Fularczyk of Greenfield, WI, and Richard (Hailey) Walters of Janesville, WI; his grandchildren, Marissa (Lauren), and Josette Brown, Adam, Kaitlynn and Matthew Fularczyk, Brendan (Allison), Colin, Kristin, and Evan Walters, Brianna and Brayden Stocks, and Macey Walters; his great granddaughter, Dallas Brown; and his twin brother. Ronald Walters of Greensboro, NC; his brother-in-law Dale Nielsen of Bartlesville, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Eleanorr Nielsen; his sister-in-law Janie Walters; his grandson Derrick Brown; and his wife Marilynn Walters.

A Memorial Service will be held at Wildwood Presbyterian Church, 18630 W. Old Gages Lake Road, Grayslake, IL 60030 on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wildwood Presbyterian Church and Grayslake Lions Club. Arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel, 410 E Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030. For more information, please call (847)223-8122 or www.StrangFuneral.org.