Richard "Rich" Charles Elsner passed away July 31, 2022 at the age of 68 surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 4, 1953 in Chicago Illinois, Rich was raised in Arlington Heights with his four siblings. Rich attended Mankato State University and the University of Chicago and enjoyed a long career as an athletic trainer and physical therapist. He took great pride in his work with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. He also opened several sports medicine clinics in Seattle, Washington, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Rich married Carmen Marie Garces, the love of his life, on April 10th 1981. They raised three children together and he loved them dearly. Rich retired in 2017 after medical challenges with type 1 Diabetes. He loved spending time with his four grandchildren, watching sports and history documentaries, and working on projects.
Carmen and Rich's beloved son Todd Matthew passed away in 2019. Rich is survived by Carmen, son Matthew Morrissey, daughter Bethany Aldecoa, son-in-law Robert Aldecoa, and grandchildren: Jayce Theron, Colette Joy, Julian Win, and Nolan River. He also had a special relationship with his sister Shirley Wirth and brother-in-law Jim Wirth of Hollister, Missouri and other close family and friends. He truly loved his work, his family, and his friends.
Donations can be made in his memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund or the Syngap Research Fund.
Tributes
Trang Suehring wrote on Oct 27, 2022:
"Carmen, one last thing. Rich loves you so much and always speaks of you when I am in my therapy sessions at PHYSIOtherapy. He adores his life with you and his children/family. We are all blessed to have known Rich in our lifetime. Prayers to you and your family."
Trang Suehring wrote on Oct 27, 2022:
"I am so shocked by this and saddened! Rich was my therapist back in 1999 when I had my first ACL surgery due to a skiing accident. He has seen me through three knee surgeries since then, and does amazing work with his sense of humor and healing hands. Rich, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten! I am sure you are cracking jokes with the Almighty upstairs. God bless you and your beautiful family. RIP until we meet again. "
Paula Kirby wrote on Sep 8, 2022:
"Rich Elsner was a terrific man?an excellent physical therapist, sports trainer, a wonderful friend & a loving husband, father & grandfather. We will miss our ?couple? dinners with Rich & his dear wife Carmen. Rich was beloved for his winning personality, his steadfast dedication to friends, & his love of family. We all will miss you, Rich. "