Richard Zipprich
Fieldon |
Richard Joseph Zipprich, of Fieldon, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Rick was born on August 22, 1952, in Carrollton, Illinois. He was raised in Michael on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He grew crops, cared for livestock, and helped tend the family’s commercial chicken coop. Rick attended the public school in Michael until its closure, completing his elementary education at Kampsville Grade School. He graduated from Calhoun High School in 1970 and later attended Western Illinois University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in soil science.
On July 19, 1975, Rick married the love of his life, Marsha Powers. Together, they built a life centered around family and raised three children, Josh, Mary Beth, and Mitch. Rick was their biggest supporter and took great pride in teaching them the many lessons he had learned throughout his own life. As proud as he was of his children, however, that pride was surpassed by the love he had for his 10 grandchildren.
Rick’s grandchildren brought him endless joy—and occasionally made it difficult for him to keep a secret which was one of his greatest weaknesses. On more than one occasion, he may have shared the news of an expected grandchild before the family was ready to make the announcement. In his defense, he was simply too excited to keep the good news to himself. And, as anyone who knew Rick could attest, he always appreciated having a good reason to talk to people.
Rick loved his family deeply and expressed that love through frequent hugs, playful teasing, and plenty of loving aggravation. He lived his life as a devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather. His family was the center of his world, and his presence, humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed.
Raised in the Catholic faith by his parents, Rick remained a devoted Catholic throughout his life. His faith was an important part of who he was and guided him in his relationships with others and in the way he lived his life. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, hard work, faith, and compassion. Rick had a big heart and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.
Throughout his life, Rick held several different jobs and wore many hats, but his true passion was farming—a love he shared with his oldest son. He began farming with his in-laws in 1976 and continued farming for the rest of his life. His career also included serving as an Extension Advisor for the University of Illinois, teaching agriculture at Calhoun High School, and operating his own rock hauling and excavation business.
If you knew Rick, you knew that he never met a stranger. He never passed up an opportunity for a conversation, and he had a gift for making people feel welcome. He once joked that he was going to print business cards that read, “Zipprich Trucking: If you don’t have time to visit, call someone else.” That sense of humor and his genuine interest in people were hallmarks of his personality.
As an agriculture teacher, Rick sought to be a positive influence on his students and took a genuine interest in their lives. He cared about the young people he taught and wanted to see them succeed. His own children even had the unique experience of being his students.
Rick’s life was defined not by any one job or accomplishment, but by the people he loved, the work he was willing to do, the faith he held close, and the many lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of farming, his unmistakable sense of humor, his willingness to stop and visit, and above all, his unwavering love for his family. His family and friends will carry his memory in their hearts and cherish the many stories, lessons, hugs, and moments of laughter he left behind.
Rick will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marsha (Powers) Zipprich; his son Josh (Melissa) Zipprich of Hardin; his daughter Mary Elizabeth (John) Haug of Wentzville, Missouri; and his son Mitchell (Jenna) Zipprich of Jerseyville; and his 10 grandchildren: Kate, Jackson, Jack, Grace, Sam, Mae, Simon, Ellie, Athen, and Lilly. He will also be fondly remembered by his three brothers, Ralph, Ray, and Roger.
He is preceded in death by his father August Zipprich, mother Margaret (Bussen) Zipprich, nephew Donald Adcock, Mother-in-law Helen Powers and Father-in-law Charles Powers.
Memorial Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, August 20 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Hardin. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Norbert Catholic School in Hardin.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
Crawford Funeral Home
