ARTHUR RICHOZ

Arthur (“Arch”) Richoz, 79, of DeKalb, IL passed away peacefully on March 7, 2024 after a courageous battle against dementia. He fought to the end with a wrestler’s spirit.

 Arch was born and raised in Elgin, IL, graduated in 1962 from Elgin High School, attended Valparaiso University and received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in physical education from Northern Illinois University. He married his high school sweetheart Joan (Gavelek) Richoz in January 1964. They have lived in DeKalb for over 60 years where they raised their two daughters Kim and Suzon.

Arch started wrestling as a kid, continued through college, and began coaching wrestling in 1968 at DeKalb Huntley Middle School where he would teach and coach for 35 years. His love for coaching showed in his 382-43-1 career record, including 1 state team championship, 6 undefeated seasons, 19 regional championships, 11 sectional championships, 18 state champions, 19 second place finishers, and developing generations of wrestling families. He co-founded the Illinois Kids Wrestling Federation, served as president of IESA wrestling, was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame and DeKalb Wrestling Hall of Fame, and selected twice as Grand Marshal for the IESA state wrestling championships. He served as state wrestling tournament manager from 1999-2014 and was instrumental in moving it to NIU’s Convocation Center. Arch also was the junior high athletic director for many years. He instilled in all kids his philosophy that “there are no losers, only winners and learners.”

Off the mat and away from the gym, you could find Arch selling homes and brokering real estate deals. He was the founding owner of Castle View Real Estate and Get ‘em Sold Home Staging, a partner in American Title Guaranty, and active in the business community. He retired from real estate after 49 years.   

Arch worked hard and played harder. He loved music, dancing, his vacation homes, sunsets at the beach, auto races, his Corvettes, sporting events, telling jokes, meeting new people, and entertaining friends and family.

Arch is survived by his loving wife Joan of DeKalb; children Kim (Dan) Wiemer of Red Wing, MN and Suzon (Jim) Kowalski of Glendale Heights, IL; sister Pam (Ken) Groth of Elgin, IL; aunt Nancy (Radde) Gutierrez of South Elgin, IL; nephew Jason Groth of Woodstock, IL; niece Kristin (Groth) Lukasik of Pingree Grove, IL, and nephews (like sons) Rich Thompson of Sycamore, IL and Mark Thompson of Hot Springs Village AR; and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Elinor (Radde) Richoz and grandparents. 

All who knew Arch are invited to a visitation, funeral service and celebration of life on Saturday, March 16. Visitation from 11am until the time of service at 2pm at Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, IL. The celebration of life will be held at the NIU Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center, 231 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL from 4-8pm.

The family asks you to wear your favorite sports or racing attire.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to any organization supporting kid’s athletics, DeKalb Wrestling, the Elks National Foundation, or dementia research.  

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.

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