George r daleiden

February 22, 1947 - April 18, 2026

George Richard Daleiden, born February 22, 1947, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on April 18, 2026.

George was raised in Oak Park, Illinois and attended St. Giles Catholic School and Fenwick High School, where he formed cherished memories of a close-knit childhood spent with his siblings and neighborhood friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Imelda Daleiden, and his siblings, Denise Daleiden, Mary Sexton, Peter Daleiden, and Margaret Quinn.

George attended the University of Notre Dame (class of

1969), where he studied chemistry. Shortly after college, he embarked on one of the great adventures of his life by joining the Peace Corps. He lived in Southeast Asia, stationed in Malaysia on the island of Borneo, where he taught math and chemistry, traveled widely, embraced new cultures, and formed lifelong friendships. These years profoundly shaped his worldview and sparked a curiosity and love of learning that stayed with him throughout his life.

Upon returning to the United States, George met the love of his life, Alta. Together they shared more than 50 years of marriage, building a life grounded in faith, family, and exploration. They raised four children in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and countless treasured memories. George often spoke of the many blessings of the life they built together.

George was a dreamer and a teacher - humble, deeply thoughtful, and quietly wise. He never stopped learning or adventuring and had a gift for sharing his knowledge, not to impress, but to connect. His faith was central to his life. He was deeply involved at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as a regular lector and taught CCD.

Above all, George's greatest blessings were his loving and devoted wife, his children and grandchildren, and his beloved dogs, Cassie and Bettis, who brought him great joy.

George is survived by his wife, Alta Daleiden; his children Heidi Nardini (Guido Nardini, and sons Leonardo and Lorenzo), John Daleiden, Laura Barbo (lan Barbo, and daughters Maggie and Caroline), and Timothy Daleiden; and his sister Virginia Persha (Richard Persha).

George's life was defined by love, service, curiosity, and faith.

His legacy lives on through his family, the many lives he touched, and the stories that will continue to be shared.

A funeral mass will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church in Aurora, Illinois, on April 23, 2026 at 11:00 a.m CST.

A private family burial will take place immediately following the funeral mass.

A memorial visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. EST, followed by a memorial mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EST.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in George's memory to the Leukemia Research Foundation

  Donate - Leukemia Research Foundation 

For more information please call (773) 710-5433.