Richard L. Vanko

Richard L. “Dick” Vanko, 84 of Peru formerly of Streator passed away Thursday, May 14, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria.

Richard was born August 4, 1941 in Streator, a son of John and Louise (Rezen) Vanko. He grew up in Streator, attended St. Stephen’s grade school and was a graduate of Streator Township High School class of 1959. He married Nancy “Sweetie” Kmetz on September 22, 1962 at St. Anthony’s Church in Streator. Together they had two children, Laurie and Rick.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Richard J. (Danielle) Vanko of Spring Valley and Laurie (Pat) Montelo of Schaumburg; seven grandchildren, Madeline (Nathan) Diaz, Hannah (Kieran Trevier) Vanko, Andrew (Dana Russell) Vanko, Elizabeth Vanko, Anthony (Ashley) Montelo, Joey (Amanda) Montelo, and Michael (Elise Weber) Montelo; in-laws, Greg and Cherie (Kmetz) Lovins, and David Howe; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Louise; his mother and father-in-law, Albert and Mildred Kmetz; a brother, John G. Vanko; and a sister-in-law, Karen Howe.

Richard worked at Owens Illinois in Streator for 44 years. He was a longtime member of the former St. Anthony’s Church, where he had served as an usher, now currently a member of St. Michael the Archangel Parish. He was a member of the Streator Elk’s and a former member of the Lion’s Club.

Richard was an avid golfer from an early age. He spent a lot of time on the course, first with his father, John, and later with his son. Richard especially enjoyed traveling, taking several tips to Europe and Alaska cruises, as well as many cross-country trips. He and Nancy always looked forward to the annual family trips, first in Northern Wisconsin and later to Branson Missouri. He was always in the process of planning the next trip.

Throughout his adult life, Richard developed the skill of working with stained glass. He was a perfectionist and took great pride in his glasswork, which was evident. Some of his finest work is still visible in Streator area churches today.

Richard took advantage of his retirement years, staying active with grandchildren and gardening. Like clockwork, Richard and Nancy frequented the Pines restaurant for dinner and cocktails most weekends.

Richard will be missed by many. He spent the last few years at Liberty Village in Peru. The family would like to thank the Liberty Village staff for their care throughout his stay. They would also like to thank the OSF Peru emergency room staff as well as the OSF Peoria Neurological ICU staff for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator. Mass of Christian Burial will held at 11:30 AM Thursday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator. Pallbearers will be Andrew Vanko, Nathan Diaz, Greg Lovins, Ryan Lovins, Eric Lovins and Kieran Trevier. Honorary pallbearers will be Madeline (Vanko) Diaz, Hannah Vanko, Elizabeth Vanko and Dana Russell. Burial will follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Streator.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.