Richard E. Greinke, 83, of Lisle, a former resident of Mt. Prospect who walked to and from work for more than 35 years, died Saturday in Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. Mr. Greinke served four years in the Army during World War II. He was based in New Guinea and Australia, where he made wooden parts for boats. After his military service, Mr. Greinke returned to Mt. Prospect and took a job as a sheetmetal worker for Illinois Range, a Mt. Prospect-based maker of sheetmetal parts for ovens and kitchens. According to his family, Mr. Greinke walked the mile to and from work every day, rain or shine. When he retired in the 1980s, Mr. Greinke spent time in his garage, which he converted into his woodworking shop. There he created dozens of brainteaser games out of wood, which he gave away to friends and family. He also enjoyed gardening. “He was kind to a fault,” said his son in-law, Eric Tomaskovic. “He was always ready to drop what he was doing and help out.” Immediate survivors include his wife, Elisabeth; and a daughter, Lois Tomaskovic. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday in Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights. Services will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home.
