Richard "Dick" H. Nally

Richard Nally peacefully passed away on February 5, 2026, at the age of 81 in Montrose Colorado where he had retired 24 years earlier. He was born in Rockford Illinois and grew up in Byron, which is a small farming town south of Rockford.

Dick, as he liked to be called, graduated from Northern Illinois University, where he met his wife Sue, and earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics. He later achieved a master’s degree and beyond in School Business Administration from NIU.

His early years of teaching were in Prophetstown Illinois before moving to complete his 36 year career at Lincoln-Way H.S. in New Lenox Illinois. As he often said, his greatest personal accomplishments were always in the classroom. In his later years, he took on the role of Director of Computer Services for the district. He was also an active member of the local Lions Club, and Kiwanis organization.

He is survived by his wife Sue (Klinger) Nally of 58 years and two daughters Kimberly Nally and Lisa Thompson. His grandsons Jared and Blake respectively were always active in visiting their grandfather to take part in all of Colorado’s wonderous activities. His older brother Tom and his wife Joan reside in Florida, his brother-in-law Andy Klinger resides in Illinois as well as nephews.

One could always find Dick either on the golf course, in the mountains, or in his woodshop. With a smile, he would modestly say he shot his age or even better. He had an ongoing mutual chocolate chip cookie contest with Kimberly. They were both winners, and so were the recipients.

Respecting Dick’s wishes, there will be no service or gathering as he has chosen to remain in the mountains where he absolutely loved to be surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of nature and friends. As we hiked and smiled, our personal mantra was to say, “sniff up.” He was proud to say he left no bucket list.

If memorial contributions are desired, they may be made to Project Oz (projectoz.org) which is a nonprofit youth organization in Bloomington Illinois who helps serve thousands of young people each year match their full potential. Not only does Project Oz reflect the values shared by Dick, but it also reflects the values of our daughter Lisa who leads this organization.