Richard B. Barajaz, 75, of LaGrange Park, died Jan. 2, 2023.
Mr. Barajaz was born in Landshut, Germany, and emigrated to Texas at age 6 before moving to Illinois. He joined the U.S. Army in 1966, and after a long and distinguished career of more than 25 years on active and reserve duty, he retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel. He also worked as a maintenance supervisor at a metal working company.
Those who knew him were well-acquainted with his strong will, infectious laugh and boundless love for his family, his friends, his three dogs, talking about cars, the military, hunting and watching sports — especially watching his grandson play ice hockey.
He was the husband of Lorelei Barajaz (nee Renn) for more than 53 years; the father of Rick (Dina) Barajaz and Andrea (Brian) Gorski; the grandfather of John, Brian, Zoe, and Alexandra; the son of Gabino and the late Theresa Barajaz; the brother of Theresa, Ingrid, Karl, Wally, Larry, Tina, and Caroline; the brother-in-law of Mike and Bob; and the uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Services are private. Interment is at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood
Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o Richard Barajaz family.
