Richard J. Berthel

Richard J. Berthel, 67, of Chicago IL, formerly of Bellevue IA, passed away on July 2, 2024 at his home. 

 Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bellevue. Family will greet friends 9:00 am – 10:30 am prior to Mass at Hachmann-Mier Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bellevue. Private Family burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Bellevue.

 Richard was born on January 24th, 1957 and lovingly adopted by John and Phyllis Berthel. He was raised on the family farm outside of Springbrook, Iowa and graduated from Bellevue Community High School in 1975. Following high school, he completed electrical schooling and apprenticeship in Minnesota and returned home to work with several local electricians, including K&K Electric in Bellevue and with his cousins at Berthel Electric in Maquoketa. Rich eventually moved to Chicago to work as a union electrician and became a longstanding member of the I.B.E.W. Local #134. Chicago became Rich’s new home for almost 40 years…where he became an official "foodie", an avid Bears and Cubs fan, and most importantly - where he met the love of his life, Sue Hart. Rich and Sue spent over 35 years together, and his heart was broken when she passed away in September 2021. Richard was also blessed with great friends in Chicago through the years, many of whom became a second family to him. 

 A gentle giant, a big teddy bear, and a kind soul are just a few of the phrases used to describe Rich. He also loved to read, had a remarkable memory, and enjoyed his trips back to Iowa to spend time with family. Richard will be buried in his final resting place at St. Joseph's Cemetery with his sweetheart, Sue.

 Richard is survived by his 6 siblings, who will forever miss their big brother: Mary Kay (Terry) Mueller, Paula (Bill) Lampe, Brian (Christina) Berthel, Angie (Shawn) Jackson, Keith (Angie) Berthel, Sue (Dan) Jacobs, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Phyllis Berthel, his beloved Sue Hart, and his nephew Colin Jackson. 

 Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.hachmannfuneralhome.com