Richard E. Votava

Richard E. Votava, 89, Woodstock, died Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, at Centegra Hospital – Woodstock, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 31, 1926, to Edward and Judith (Jurcek) Votava in Chicago. 

On Jan. 15, 1949, he married Mabel Becker in Wood Dale.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a plumber and was a member of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130. He loved the outdoors, and he and his wife enjoyed camping, hiking and traveling, especially in the Southwest desert region. 

They lived in Marseilles for 20 years after Richard’s retirement and moved to Woodstock three years ago. He was a history buff and an avid reader. 

Survivors include his wife; five children, Margaret Sadoski, Janice Mangiardi, Donna (Peter) Francis, Deborah (Horst) Bauer and Richard C. Votava; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons-in-law, Edward Sadoski and Mike Mangiardi; and four sisters, Eleanor, Lavern, Margaret and June.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 with a funeral service at 7 p.m. at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. All other services will be private.