Richard A. Mansen 86, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday February 26,2026. He was born on May 31,1939 in Chicago, IL to Einar and Thelma (Hamater) Mansen. Richard grew up in the heart of Southside Chicago. He realized at an early age that God had a calling for his life and was led to serve in Bible translation.

Richard went to college for Bible and Linguistics, where he met his wife Karis, they were married in December of 1961. Richard and Karis became Wycliffe Bible Translators and were sent to serve in Colombia, South America in early 1964. There they worked on translating the Bible into the Guajiro language for the Wayuu people. This would take decades to accomplish. Richard’s wife Karis sadly passed away in 1995. Richard was introduced to Jacueline Firchow, who had also previously been doing the same work but in Papa New Guinea before her husband passed. Richard and Jacqueline married in 1996 and completed the decades’ long work so that the Wayuu people would have the Bible in their own language. Rich and Jackie retired from Wycliffe but continued to serve God thru so many other avenues in ministry. He was a long-time member of First Free Church, his faith being incredibly important to him.

Richard loved swimming, telling stories, and visiting with family and friends. He gave so much of his time reaching out or spending time with individuals who just needed a friend or shoulder to lean on. Richard always had a servant’s heart. He loved spending time with Jackie and all the kids and Grandkids. Richard never met a stranger. Years ago, he wrote and published a book about his life’s journeys; Trail Posts: Defining Moments of My Life. He would always share about what God had done in his life, giving everyone love, kindness and God’s love.

Richard is survived by his wife Jackie, his 3 children, son David (wife Christi) of Arlington, TX and their 8 children, his daughter Valerie (husband Greg) of Kennedale TX and their 2 sons and daughter Debbie (husband David) of Rockford IL and their 2 sons; 12 Grandchildren and 13 Great Grandchildren. His brother Robert Mansen, his sister Ruth Ann Slou (Husband Jerry) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and many special friends.

A private graveside service will take place in Texas with the family at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.