Donald D. Dahlem

Donald Duane Dahlem, 71, of Ladd, formerly of Arlington Heights and Villa Park, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru, with his family by his side.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Mueller Funeral Home in Peru is entrusted with arrangements.

Donald was born on September 28, 1954 in Racine, Wisconsin, to Donald L. and Shirley Marie (Liedke) Dahlem. He worked as a Union Painter and was a member of the Chicago Painters and Decorators. He married Patrice Cherie Croissant on March 28, 2008 in Wheaton.

Donald was a guitar and music enthusiast. He was politically conservative and was very patriotic, always flying the American flag and wearing patriotic t-shirts. Much to his family's consternation, Don was also a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan.

Donald is survived by his wife, Pat "Cherie" Dahlem of Ladd; his son, Thomas (Jessica) Mock of Earlville, his daughter Cindy (Dustin) Hammons of Wyoming; a step-son, Steve (Maryellen) Warrick of Virginia; and a step-daughter, Aimee Warrick of Ladd. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Chase, Hailey, Morgan, Simon, Brayden, Mason, and Catherine; his brother, Dennis (Larissa) Dahlem of Arizona; his sister, Debbie Kakoliris of DeKalb; and his step-nephew Slava.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his first wife Kathy Dahlem; and one brother-in-law, Tony Kakoliris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.