Richard “Rick” Mark Holden

Richard “Rick” Mark Holden, a 36 year resident of Lake Zurich, passed away peacefully after a short illness at the age of 72 on Friday, March 31, in Barrington.

Rick was born on June 1, 1950 to Robert Harry Holden and Mary Ann Franzen Holden in Chicago Heights. He grew up in the Chicago area as well as Rockford and Decatur, graduating from Stephen Decatur High School in 1968. He graduated from Carthage College in 1973 and was a member of Delta Omega Nu fraternity. It was at Carthage that Rick met his future wife, Linda Stahl. They were married July 9, 1977 at River Trails Nature Center in Northbrook.

Rick is survived by his wife, Linda Stahl Holden; their daughters Kim Mancini (Mike) of Winnetka and Allie Holden Loperena (Jordan) of Barrington as well as grandchildren Ella, Audrey and Liam Mancini. Rick is also survived by his sister Barb Taylor (Wayne), niece Kris Davenport (Rob) and great niece Natalie Davenport, as well as grandpets Mallie, Wells and Butters — all of whom he loved dearly.

Rick was deeply passionate about his career in Human Resources and headed up that aspect of corporate life for several manufacturing companies in Cook and Lake Counties.  After retirement from the corporate world, and due to his gifted ability to mentor those looking for professional support in the job hunt and career advancement, Rick devoted countless hours to help job seekers through The Barrington Career Center (formerly Career Place).

An avid golfer, Rick both played regularly, and in his retirement years worked on the links as a starter at Barrington Hills Country Club. A humble man, Rick was a much better golfer than he’d lead you to believe and thoroughly enjoyed his time on the fairways, greens, and even very, very occasionally in the rough.

Rick loved the Chicago White Sox, and his favorite team ever was the 1959 American League champion team that starred his favorite player, Nellie Fox. He also had a deep passion for college football and basketball and took great pride in rooting for what he liked to call “The Three I’s” of the Big Ten – since he grew up a University of Illinois fan and sent his daughters to Indiana University and the University of Iowa.

Even with all these passions and hobbies, Rick loved nothing more than to spend time with his loved ones. His upbeat spirit was infectious in the best way imaginable, and his warm smile and loving demeanor could turn your bad day into a great day in a split second. He was selfless in the way he cared for others and was always willing to offer a helping hand.

Rick was as great a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend as any of us could have ever asked for and that legacy will keep Rick with us forever.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Rick Holden on Thursday, April 6th at Davenport Family Funeral Home at 941 S Old Rand Rd in Lake Zurich, IL with a visitation at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations please be directed to JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL – a place that gave Rick and his family much-needed comfort and compassionate care in his final days.