Steve Rick

​Sadly, Steve lost his cancer battle on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

Steve was the son of Robert and Marilyn and the Husband of Cindy Traskaski.   A 1995 graduate of Palatine High School, Steve was active in football, baseball and basketball during high school, and was named PHS Athlete of the Year. He attended the University of Iowa for two years, and then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he received a B.S. degree in Education.

As a teacher, Steve began his career in education with Prairie Ridge High School, teaching science for over 10 years, as well as coaching girls and boys soccer and basketball. In 2014, he began a new position with Community Unit School District 200 as Assistant Principal at Woodstock North High School, where he was currently in his third school year. Whether it was in the role of teacher, coach, colleague, or administrator, Steve influenced hundreds of students and colleagues with his infectious concern for others, passion for learning, and positive attitude that he shared with all.

Steve adored being a father to his young daughters, Evie and Harper, ages 3 and 5. In addition to being an outstanding, loving father, Steve was an amazing husband to his beloved Cindy, a supportive and loving brother and a fun loving uncle. He will be dearly missed by his entire family and many friends.

Steve loved nature and hiking, and had a goal to take family trips to see all of the national parks. Other interests were playing cards, especially poker, cheering on both the White Sox and Seahawks teams, as well as being a fierce fantasy football enthusiast with many wins to his credit. He was fascinated with dinosaurs, always one of his favorite topics when he taught earth science earlier in his career.

Steve was incredibly loyal, always willing to find the good in everyone. He exuded an extremely caring and positive attitude with everything he did and everyone he met. Steve genuinely cared about people and was a great mentor to many. Competitive yet compassionate, he worked hard but always had time for people. Steve pushed people to make them better, but he encouraged them when they fell down. He was a lover but also a fighter until the end.

Funds raised at our event will support this wonderful family.