Dean Koldenhoven built more than homes. He built a legacy of faith, family and service.
Dean Koldenhoven’s legacy reaches far beyond the years he spent as mayor of Palos Heights.
A bricklayer by trade, a public servant by calling and a devoted family man at heart, Koldenhoven spent decades building both homes and relationships. Whether he was leading the city through difficult conversations, gathering family around the picnic table after church or mentoring his children on a construction site, those who knew him remembered a man whose faith, compassion and integrity guided every aspect of his life.
Koldenhoven died Saturday, July 18, at the age of 91.
Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1935, Koldenhoven spent 42 years as owner of Koldenhoven Construction before later working in brick sales for more than 16 years. His craftsmanship left a physical mark throughout the area, but it was the values he instilled in his family that may be his greatest legacy.
“He was an awesome father that I learned a lot from,” said his son, Dean Koldenhoven II. “He taught us to always do what was right. He taught us to always stand our ground. He was such a loving guy, no matter what the situation was.”
Bricklaying wasn’t simply Koldenhoven’s profession. It became a family tradition.
Dean II recalls accompanying his father to construction sites as a young boy.
“I started helping him out on the job when I was just 6 years old,” he said. “Eventually, my brother and I took over the business.”
His father also believed in serving the community. Koldenhoven spent eight years on the Palos Heights Zoning Commission before being elected mayor, serving from 1997 to 2001.
His administration is perhaps best remembered for guiding the city through one of its most difficult chapters. As Palos Heights wrestled with controversy surrounding religious tolerance, Koldenhoven encouraged understanding over division. His leadership earned him the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award in 2002.
He later shared those experiences with audiences across the country and around the world, speaking on religious tolerance at the University of Dubuque, Calvin College, Harvard University and through programs sponsored by the U.S. State Department in Ukraine and Russia.
While his public accomplishments earned national recognition, those closest to him remember the quiet moments spent with family.
Sunday mornings often ended with coffee around the kitchen or picnic table, where children, grandchildren and later great-grandchildren gathered to laugh, tell stories and enjoy each other’s company.
The family’s cottage at Lake Wildwood near Varna became another gathering place. Built by Koldenhoven, it was where generations of grandchildren learned to water ski, fish for bluegill, ride in the boat and end the day around a campfire with homemade doughnuts dusted in cinnamon sugar.
“The cottage brought tons of memories for all of the grandchildren,” Dean II said. “He was a great father and loved Jesus. He spread that everywhere he went. I can’t say enough good things about him.”
To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was known as Grandpa, Papa Dean, “the Mayor” or Gramps, titles he treasured more than any elected office.
Koldenhoven is survived by his wife, Sadie Ruth (DeJong); daughters Linda (John) Riley and Sharon (Paul) Vallas; son Dean (Sue) Koldenhoven II; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister Elaine (Walter) Stepinski; sister-in-law Inez (Marvin) Koldenhoven; many nieces and nephews; and unofficially adopted daughter Sandra (Miguel) Espinosa, along with her two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Koldenhoven; grandson Mark Vallas; his parents, Richard and Mary Koldenhoven; and brothers Richard, George, Marvin, Donald and Arthur.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at Colonial Chapel. Interment will take place at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Willow Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elim Christian Services in Crestwood.
“I always repected Dean for his devotion to his family and the city. After the election, we got along just fine. He was great man of faith,” Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz said.
For those who knew Dean Koldenhoven, like Straz, the measure of his life wasn’t found in awards or public office. It was reflected in the family he raised, the faith he shared and the countless lives he touched. Like the bricks he spent a lifetime laying, the foundation he built for others is one that will endure for generations.