Richard O. Daleiden

Richard O. Daleiden, age 83, of Aurora, formerly of Wheaton and The Villages, FL, passed away suddenly at home on the morning of July 1, 2025. After graduating from West Chicago High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, where he earned the designation of Marksman-Rifle M1. After his service, he went to college and received his BS in Accounting and graduated summa cum laude in his class. He worked for the Wm Wrigley Jr. Company and then formed his own business as a Tax Accountant EA and Financial Planning Service in Wheaton called Daleiden and Company, for over 40 years. He loved his clients and the Wheaton community. He was Parish Council President when St. Michael Church burned to the ground March 18, 2002. He was proud to be a part of the rebuilding process and dedication in 2006. On March 9,1968, he married the love of his life, Patricia (Freund) Daleiden. Together they shared 57 devoted years of marriage, raising two sons, Joseph (Jennifer) Daleiden and Sean (Andrea) Daleiden. Richard was a proud and loving grandfather to Gabriella, Brayden, Alexander, and Carter. Richard and Patricia retired to The Villages, Florida, where they spent ten joyful years golfing, dancing in the town square, and building lasting friendships. In November 2023, they returned to Illinois to continue the battle with Parkinson’s with family nearby. Richard will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His faith in God, wisdom, warmth, sense of humor, and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children and grandchildren; his brother James Daleiden; his sister Ginger (Robert) Jurish; his brothers-in-law James (Lisa) Freund and Douglas Freund; and sisters-in-law Pam Daleiden, Janice Bedard (Tim), Barbara Norrgard, and Cathy (Rich) Parker. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Grace Daleiden; his in-laws, Arnold and Bernice Freund; his brothers David (Dixie), Gregory, and Daniel Daleiden; and his brother-in-law Thomas Freund. As we prepare for the memorial of Richard Daleiden, the family invites those who knew and loved him to share stories, affirmations, or personal notes. These can be emailed to rodaleidenmemory@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate a tribute gift to The Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/. A visitation and funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wheaton, IL. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:00 a.m. Richard will be laid to rest at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton immediately following the service. All are welcome to join the family in honoring and celebrating Richard’s life.