Don R. Oberholz

Don R. Oberholz Obituary Don R. Oberholz, age 89, of Batavia, formerly of Geneva, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2026 at Michaelson’s Healthcare in Batavia with his loving family by his side. He was born November 22, 1936, in Pasadena, California, the son of Theodore and Margaret (Hickok) Oberholz.  He was the great, great nephew of “Wild Bill” Hickok.  He spent his early years in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The family returned to Illinois and Don graduated from Mendota High School in 1955. Don retired in 1996 from a 35-year career beginning with Western Electric and ending with Lucent Technologies.  He loved cooking and obtained a culinary certificate from the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago in 1999.  In his retirement he used his cooking skills providing Senior Moments luncheons for 10 years at the Methodist Church.  He also organized an annual Kraut Fest for a group of retirees from Lucent-Nokia.  Don loved to show off Chicago to visitors and was a White Sox and Bears fan. His love for the southwest was evident in the many hiking trips to the national parks and his collection of Navajo rugs and pottery.  He and his wife often traveled to Europe and still have friends in Germany. He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years Valerie Ann (Bright); son Mark of Schaumburg; and many other dear relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Karin, and sister Helen Cofer. Memorial service will be held Friday, May 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton Street, Geneva with Pastor Rob Hamilton. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva, Illinois 60134 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 would be appreciated. For more information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.   To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Don R. Oberholz, please visit our floral store. Read More