Richard J. Bachrodt

Richard J. Bachrodt died peacefully at his Rockford home on September 2, 2022 at the age of 79 after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family, who will continue his dedication to family, friendships, fun, and community.

Richard was born in Des Moines, IA on July 17, 1943 to Louis C. Bachrodt, Jr. and Irene. He moved to Rockford, IL at age 10. “Dead-eye Dick” led St. James School to the Diocese Basketball Championship in 1957 as a point guard. His father coached the team, which also included his brother, Pat, and life-long friends Pat Cielesz, Bill Gustafson, and Denny Saporiti.

Dick attended St. Thomas High School where he played on the golf team and served as yearbook editor, graduating in 1961. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1963-66, stationed in Orleans, France. He was editor of the command newspaper, reaching the rank of Specialist 5.

When he returned from the service, he met Margaret Phillip. They married on January 27, 1968 in Rockford. Dick and Marg were blessed with two children, Karin and Michael. Dick was a dedicated husband and father. The family lived around the corner from his boyhood home in his adored Brown Hills neighborhood.

Dick attended Columbia College in Chicago and graduated in 1969. With a BA in Journalism, he joined the Campbell-Dickey Advertising Agency in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He returned to Rockford to join the family business, Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet, in 1970. In 1982, he purchased Jeffries Motors in Rockford while also acquiring a Pontiac franchise. He renamed the company Bachrodt Motors in 1983, and continued to grow the business with the acquisition of a GMC franchise in 1989. He became President and CEO of Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in 1990. He acquired BMW and Buick franchises in 1996. He led both stores to award-winning results until his retirement.

Dick was a quietly intense competitor, but he valued relationships over accolades. He was recognized as a Pontiac Master and Chevrolet Top 500 dealer, but he cared more about building great teams and celebrating the successes of others. He won several golf tournaments, but he took more pleasure in sinking a heartbreaking putt in a $2 Nassau with his friends. Though typically humble, he would tell others about his 11 holes-in-one once prompted.

Away from the office and course, Dick co-founded the Denny Saporiti Memorial Golf Benefit. After years of service, he received the Boylan Edge Award in 1995. Though not always relaxing, he spent many hours watching his favorite teams: the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and of course, Notre Dame. He and Marg enjoyed memberships and dear friendships at Rockford Country Club, Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club (Boca Raton, FL), University Club, Lombardi Club, and Bigfoot Country Club (Fontana, WI).

Richard is survived by his wife, Margaret, his daughter, Karin (Patrick) Reemts, his son, Michael (Amy) Bachrodt, grandchildren, Mabel Bachrodt, Clara Bachrodt, Axel Bachrodt, Baxter Reemts, Cassidy Reemts, brothers, Louis C. (Irena) Bachrodt III, Patrick (Lisa) Bachrodt, sister Mary (Tom) Costello, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. Richard is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sr. Mary Ann Phillip, Kathleen (Kurt) Siegel, Kay Phillip, and Suzanne Bachrodt, and brothers-in-law, John (Stella) Phillip, and Lawrence (Kathleen) Phillip.

Richard is predeceased by mother Irene, father Louis C. Bachrodt, Jr., and his sister Kathleen. Richard is also predeceased by his father-in-law, Paul Phillip, mother-in-law, Mary Jane Phillip, brothers-in-law, Thomas (Barbara) Phillip and James Phillip, sisters-in-law Mary Jo Phillip and Sarah Bachrodt.

The family would like to thank caregivers at OSF St. Anthony Hospital, Northern Illinois Hospice, Matthew Tiritilli, and Boca Nursing Services.

Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave. Loves Park, IL 61111. Interment will be held in Calvary Catholic Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 7 from 4-7 p.m. in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Visitation will continue from 10-11:00 on Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lou Bachrodt, Jr. Founders’ Memorial Program benefitting Boylan Catholic High School students, 4000 St. Francis Dr. Rockford, IL 61103 or Catholic Charities of Rockford 6116 Mulford Village Dr. #8 Rockford, IL 61107.