Richard Lenke, an architectural engineer and a life-long resident of the Chicago area, died peacefully at home in Park Ridge on November 2, 2024 at the age of 94 after battling 12 years with Alzheimer’s.

Richard is survived by; his Wife Maureen Lenke (nee Smith); his brother Robert Lenke (Linda), his children Richard Lenke Jr. (Maureen) and Ellen Vigil (Mike). Richard also had 5 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Richard was born on the northwest side of Chicago on July 13th, 1930 to Elmer Lenke and Gladys Lenke (nee Wagner) both deceased. He graduated from the University of Illinois – Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering in 1956, as well as a Masters in Architectural Engineering in 1956.

In 1953 he married his Wright College sweetheart from Chicago, the alluring Maureen Lenke. In 1955 they had their first child the cutest baby ever, Richard, Jr. followed by the ravishing Ellen in 1959.

In 1956, after graduation from the University of Illinois, Richard was hired by Skidmore Owings and Merrill, a prominent architect firm in Chicago. He rose from Associate to Managing Partner in 1973. Skidmore was and still is a leader in the design of tall buildings. Richard had the good fortune to work on many extraordinary projects among them; John Hancock Center, Sears Tower, University of Illinois Campus, One Mag Mile, The United States Airforce Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado and the Blido University and the Tizi-Ouzou University campuses in Algeria.

Richard was an avid fisherman chasing after Muskie in Northern Wisconsin and Chinook Salmon in Door County Wisconsin. He passed on his love of fishing and nature to his wife, children and grandchildren.

In addition, Richard and Maureen enjoyed travelling. They have traveled all around the country and the world including many countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South and Central, Australia.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 on November 23 at the Park Ridge Community Church on 100 Courtland, Park Ridge. Following the memorial a luncheon will be provided at the church. If you would like to make a condolence donation, the family has requested you make a gift to the National Alzheimer’s Association.  

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