Dean M. Koldenhoven

Dean M. Koldenhoven, age 91, moved to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1935, he is survived by his wife, Sadie Ruth (DeJong), daughters, Linda (John) Riley, Sharon (Paul) Vallas, and son Dean (Sue) Koldenhoven II, nine grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine (Walter) Stepinski, and sister-in-law, Inez (Marvin) Koldenhoven, many nieces and nephews. Also unofficially adopted daughter, Sandra (Miguel) Espinosa, two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his son, Donald (Carol (Doug) Koldenhoven-Keessen), grandson Mark Vallas, his parents, Richard and Mary Koldenhoven, brothers Richard (Evelyn), George (Bette), Marvin (MaryLou), Donald, and Arthur.

Retired after 42 years as an owner and bricklayer of Koldenhoven Construction, and selling brick for over 16 years. He served on the Zoning Commission of Palos Heights for 8 years and as Mayor of the City of Palos Heights from 1997–2001. He received John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage award in 2002. He spoke on religious tolerance during the Muslim controversy in Palos Heights at the University of Dubuque, Calvin College, Harvard University, and for the State Department in Ukraine and Russia.

He loved nothing more than his children and grandchildren around. Sunday coffee time after church was an automatic time for the family to gather, either at the kitchen table or the outside picnic table. They built a “cottage” at Lake Wildwood near Varna, Illinois and created many memories where all the grandchildren learned to water ski, go boating, or fishing for blue gills. Later in the evenings was time around a campfire and hand-made donuts with various kinds of sugar and cinnamon.

Dean will be remembered first as a husband, dad, grandpa (also known by his great-grandkids as Papa Dean, the Mayor, or Gramps). He lived and built the way he always had – brick by brick: bridges between neighbors of different faiths, and a lifetime of jokes, debates, and memories shared with the family he loved.

Visitation Friday, July 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. A live stream of the Funeral Service will be available. Please visit Dean’s obituary at colonialchapel.com to view the live stream of the service. The link will be posted shortly. Interment Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Willow Springs, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Elim Christian Services, 13020 S. Central Ave., Crestwood, IL 60418 are appreciated. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400