Richard R. Hildenbrand

Richard R. Hildenbrand 76, of Carol Stream passed away unexpectedly on February 6, 2026 at Hines Hospital. Born Aug 24, 1949 in Chicago. Richard lived a life of devotion to his wife Emily, daughters Mariel & Krista, bonus daughter Angel, and grandchildren Stephan, Michael, and Rosie and his many nieces and nephews.

He was born to Ruth and Ralph Hildenbrand in Chicago, Illinois. Graduated from Holy Cross High School in River Grove. He served in the Army as a Communications Specialist during the Vietnam War. In his younger years, he was adventurous—skiing down slopes with fearless laughter, diving beneath the waves, chasing challenges, always reveling in the joy of being alive. His parents instilled in him the importance of family very young. He shared so many fond stories growing up with his cousins, especially his cousin Gary Paul; they were two peas in a pod until his younger brother Robert came along, and boy the mischief those boys got into over the years. He was a protective older brother to Robbie and shared the story of rescuing him from a koi fish pond every chance he got. Richard’s parents were members of the German Turners of Chicago, and by default he and his brother took part in countless parties and festivals through the Turners and Schwaben Verein Association. He was very proud of his German heritage.

While he was a bachelor he traveled around the world, enjoying skiing and scuba diving from places as close as Canada to as far away as Honduras and the Cayman Islands. He had many fun stories to share about his time in Jamaica and on trips out West to Aspen, CO. He shared many of these stories on his bowling league nights with friends and family. He lived life to the fullest in all things from his community work to time with family. He married his wife Emily in 1986 and became the stepfather of her daughter Angel. They chose to grow their family in Carol Stream, and two baby girls of their own soon followed: Mariel and Krista. While raising his two precocious girls, he also got to become a grandfather to Angel’s sons Stephan and Michael. He took great pride in the achievements of his grandsons, both joining the military and receiving accolades for their service. He never missed a horseback riding event, gymnastics meet or school play for any of his kids. They always came first for him. For anyone who would listen, he enjoyed sharing the stories of the many projects he was working on between his home and his daughters' and he was proud watching them grow into adulthood. They kept him busy in retirement! At 67 he was lucky enough to become a Grandpa again, to his only granddaughter Rosie. He enjoyed being a kid again, playing with Legos on the floor and Rosie teaching him videogames like Mariokart.

As a vital member of the community, he belonged to numerous organizations. He was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Luke’s Parish. Most recently he was the President of the 1st Cavalry Division Sheridan’s Chapter. He was member of the Carol Stream VFW Post 10396 for the last 20+ years and most recently serving as Commander since 2020. He retired part time at the age of 70, and then fully at 73 after working 17 years for ILLCO an HVAC Distribution company as one of their most trusted and knowledgeable associates. He spent his Wednesdays volunteering at the Dupage Convalescent Center having lunch with the Veterans who lived there.

His generosity was unmatched; he would choose to help somebody even if it cost him physical pain—or pain in his wallet. A very kind man, with a long list of shirts given right off his back. He had a love for history and would share it with anyone who would listen. He always had a story to tell—even if it was the same story every time. He had a keen eye and skilled hands for building and repairing; you name it, there wasn’t anything Richard couldn’t fix. He took pride in his craftsmanship, rebuilding his deck at 76 years old. Whether it was helping a family member or friend with a building project or through all the various charities he supported philanthropically, this generosity carried over to the time he spent with the VFW group. He took much joy in the scholarship awarded annually through the high school from the poppy funds they raised. It was important to him to see the money raised going back into the community to support future generations.

He was the glue that held multiple things together, organizations, family gatherings, and even some wood structures. His hands built and fixed things—woodworking, repairs, creating beauty and order wherever he could. And through it all, one thing remained constant: his love for family, his generosity, and the joy he found in living fully. With curiosity, energy, and a love for life.

He was a NASCAR enthusiast, and attending the Indy 500 was one of the fond memories and stories he loved to share. He passed on his love of car racing to his daughter Krista. He loved playing chess with Angel and Mariel, with both girls passing the game on to their children as well. He also loved to “challenge” or “debate” folks in history lessons, with his daughters often googling history to find the correct answer.

He was a man of service. Growing up watching his father and uncle in leadership roles in their German Club groups and being drafted in his early formative years shaped him for the rest of adulthood. He followed in his father’s footsteps both serving in foreign wars and leading volunteer organizations. His dedication and leadership of the Carol Stream VFW Post will be greatly missed.

In 2024 he was nominated for Citizen of the Year of Carol Stream for his community service. He was instrumental in the fundraising efforts bringing the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the Town Center to fruition. He enjoyed the annual 4th of July parade and getting the VFW guys all up in the vintage army vehicle like they were in their 20’s again. Having a good ole time in the back of the truck waving to the parade goers. He loved being out in the community whether it was having a table set up at the Summer Concert Series or selling poppies outside Jewel-Osco, rain or shine.  

He was a devoted husband and loving father, fun grandpa, doting uncle and cousin, but more than that, he made everyone he met feel like they were family.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Ralph Hildenbrand, late brother Robert (Claudette) and beloved aunts and uncles. Richard was the husband of Emily (nee Pope); father of Mariel (Alex), Krista and bonus daughter Angel; grandfather of Stephan, Michael, and Rosie and uncle to many nieces and nephews. The family is grateful knowing he’s bowling in the heavens with his brother and parents. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Thursday, at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 W. Lake Street, Roselle, IL 60172. Funeral Service Friday, February 13th starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Funeral Home. Private burial service following the funeral for invited family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carol Stream VFW Post #10396 or donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.