Who is Dick Butkus's wife of 60 years? The prolific linebacker is survived by his wife Helen and his 3 youngsters. Details at the family ahead.
The Gist:
- Dick Butkus was a mythical Chicago Bears defensive player.
- Dick married his high school sweetheart and the 2 were married for 60 years.
- The couple welcomed three kids together.
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On Oct. 5, 2023, mythical Chicago Bears defensive participant Dick Butkus died at the age of 80. The Pro Football Hall of Famer reportedly kicked the bucket in his sleep at his house in Malibu, Calif.
Now, lovers are wondering about Dick's personal existence, including the loved ones he left behind. Who was his wife? Did he have youngsters? Here's what we find out about his family.
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Dick Butkus met his wife in high school.
Nowadays, it is rare for a pair to be high school sweethearts and share a love that lasts an entire life. Dick Butkus and Helen Essenberg have been that couple.
According to The U.S. Sun, the pair met when they have been teens.
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Just a short while later, while attending the University of Illinois, where Dick played football, the lovebirds said "I do." The 12 months was 1963 — and Dick and Helen were handiest parted in death when the Bears icon gave up the ghost 60 years later.
Helen remained by her husband's side from the time he signed with the Bears in 1965, until he retired in 1973. He later went on to work as a sports commentator and actor, showing in movies such as Any Given Sunday and Necessary Roughness.
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Dick Butkus and his wife Helen had 3 children.
By all accounts, Helen isn't one for the spotlight, and neither are their youngsters. The couple had 3: two sons, Ricky and Matt, and a daughter, Nikki, who are now grown.
Dick and Helen also reportedly have grandchildren, but since his kids are not in the public eye, there is no details about their grandchildren.
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After being named to the Hall of Fame, which he known as "the top of my dream," Dick stated during his enshrinement speech that his new function was “simply to be a greater husband and a greater father and a better individual.”
The circle of relatives is reportedly amassed together all through this difficult time, with a statement having been released that reads partially, "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."
Meanwhile, buddies and enthusiasts have joined the feared linebacker's circle of relatives in mourning his death and celebrating his life.
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Famous friends and scores of fans are paying tribute to Dick Butkus on-line.
Not best did the Bears share a transferring tribute to Dick on Twitter, but famous person pals and devoted fans took en masse to social media to express their deep admiration for the NFL's best.
That was for the mighty Dick Butkus, Chicago's own.
— Skip Bayless (@ActualSkipBayless) October 6, 2023(*60*) continues under advertisement
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement about Dick partly that he "was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats."
The statement went on to mention, "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears."
Our ideas and prayers are with Dick's wife Helen and their children at this hard time. We also join lovers in admiring a very full existence well-lived. Clearly Dick's legacy lives on.
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