Richard Tuminskas lived a full life

Richard (Rick) Tuminskas lived a full and happy life.  He was born to parents Ralph and Virginia Tuminskas on June 13, 1951.  He lived most of his life in Rockford, where he attended school, graduating from West High School in Rockford IL. He and his wife, Cindy (Coffin), and their two daughters, Sarah and Brenda, eventually moved to Roscoe, IL.

Rick and Cindy married young.  They met in September, 1974, and were married three months later. “When I met him, he was wearing plaid slacks and a striped shirt.  It wasn’t a good first impression,” Cindy joked.

Rick passed away on May 18, 2023, at the age of 72.  For the last five years of his life, he suffered from cancer, COPD and dementia. He spent his last days at home, in hospice care. “We went to Rock Cut and Nunzio’s Restaurant just a few days before he died,” Cindy said.

Cindy was his faithful caregiver. She kept a diary and found ways to help him through his confusion after he developed dementia.

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Rick worked at Atwood Industries in Rockford for 32 years, then as a machinist at Stoughton Trailers.  He worked at Loew’s Distribution Center in West Rockford before his health failed.

Rick enjoyed his life and lived large, according to Cindy. He was a big man, at 6 feet 3 inches. He   weighed 350 pounds.

Fishing was his passion.  He packed some food and drinks and walked down to the nearby Rock River whenever he got the chance. He fished for catfish, carp and suckers, and then fed his catch to the eagles near the river bank.

Rick was a quiet man and never raised his voice. He loved throwing darts and participated in many tournaments. “He was a really good competitive dart player,” Cindy said.

Rick loved to bowl, play cards, visit casinos, play bingo, and ride his tractor lawn mower. He always enjoyed being with his family and getting together with friends.

Rick is survived by his wife, Cindy, his daughter, Brenda (Curt) Beilfuss, sister Debbie (Tim) Hulstedt, grandchildren Ezekiel (Zeke) Ellie Ann Bussan, Dylan, Addison (Addy) and Brandon Beilfuss, and his “bestest buddy,” Randy Lunquest.

He is predeceased by daughter Sarah E. (Tuminskas) Bussan who passed away from COVID in 2021, at the age of 44.

Cindy is grateful to the staff at Hospice Care for their excellent care during his final days.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 15, 2023, with the time and place to be announced.

This article is based on an interview by Jean Seegers with Cindy Tuminskas.