Richard D. Jansen, age 78, of Hawthorn Woods. The former owner of Chicago’s Ivanhoe Restaurant and Theatre passed away in his home surrounded by family on Sunday, February 3. He was the son of Harold Jansen who, together with brother Ralph founded the Ivanhoe Restaurant in 1920. Dick later assumed ownership of the restaurant and opened the adjacent Ivanhoe Theatre in 1966. He was a veteran of WWII 95th infantry division and was proud to have fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton. Dick once served as director of the restaurant branch of the Office of Price Stabilization in Washington, D.C. before returning to his family and business in Chicago. There he held the office of President of the Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association for a time. He spent many summers and weekends on the water with his family on Lake Delavan, Wisconsin where he and Joan met and fell in love. They shared their love of boating, horses, dogs and above all family. He is remembered and survived by his beloved wife of 55 beautiful years, Joan; sons Rick (Linda) and Scott (Anne); daughter Faith (Tom) Hussey and Brooke (Michael) Dillane; grandchildren Heather, Trevor, Hanna, Maia and Aine; half-sisters Karen and Robin and half-brother Russel. Private family services was held.
