Ishpeming, Michigan Native and Former Rochelle Township High School Longtime Coach, Richard Schutte, 96, Passes Away, Leaving Behind His Wife, Helen and Five Children
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Faith Lutheran Church and /or Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois.
September 9, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on September 9, 2026
Richard M. Schutte, an Army veteran and former high school coach in Illinois, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by his loving family.
The late Richard Schutte touched the lives of many with his amazing athletic skills and, as a great coach, guided athletes to several victories.
Born on June 21, 1929, in Ishpeming, Michigan, to parents Guy and Hilda Schutte, Richard began his athletic journey from a very young age.
He was a cross-country star at Republic High School in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Richard further continued his athletic journey at St. Olaf College, Northern Michigan University, the University of Michigan, and Central Washington University.
Similarly, he was a conference champion in cross-country during his college years, running an average mile time of 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
Richard had a lifelong passion for teaching and coaching. He spent many years shaping young minds and inspiring athletes in Shelton, WA; Compton, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Ashland, WI; and Saginaw, MI.
He further spent 28 years at Rochelle Township High School in Illinois, where he served as both a coach and a teacher. He retired in 1992.
Richard Schutte was inducted into the R.T.H.S. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.
The late Richard Schutte Was a Brave Army Veteran
In addition to his contribution to the community as a great athlete and coach, Richard Schutte was also known for his service to the country.
After earning his Master’s degree from Mankota State University in Minnesota, Richard continued his journey with the U.S. Army.
He served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army Airborne Division during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. For his fearless actions in combat, he was awarded the Silver Star.
Furthermore, the death of Richard Schutte has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Richard Schutte is survived by his devoted wife, Helen, his children, Michael (Cappy) Schutte of Sun City, Arizona, Janice (Jeff) Davey of Sterling, Barbara (Corey) Westra of Granger, IN, Susan Hunter of Byron, Paula (Tim) Albers of Rochelle, and Patti (Don) LeRette of Rochelle.
He also leaves behind his grandchildre, Casey (Phil) Ballard, Cara (Kevin) Salvador, Emily (Scott) Morgan, Jaclyn Davey, Nicole (Dalton) Kellett, Mitch Westra, Maggie Hunter, Vance Hunter, Ethan Albers, Ava Albers, Brandon LeRette, and Amber LeRette, and his cherished great-grandchildren, Liam Salvador, Olivia Salvador, Calee Ballard, Quinn Morgan, and Sylvie Kellett.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Rochelle.
The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Burial with military services provided by the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard and the Army Honor Guard will be at Lawnridge Cemetery.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Richard Schutte was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bernice Lowell of New York.
- He loved golfing, reading, gardening, and fishing.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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