Richard C. Hannenberg

Richard Charles Hannenberg, age 96, most recently of Highland Park, IL, born in Chicago, received into Eternal Life on March 3, 2026. Beloved husband of Mary (Faithe) S. Hannenberg, née Sauer, for more than 67 years; dear father of Kristin (Robert) Wassilak; loving grandfather of Collin (Gabrielle) Wassilak and Annika Wassilak; brother of Walter Carl (Sheila) Hannenberg; uncle of many treasured nieces and nephews. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Charles and Gertrude Harriet (Sjursen) Hannenberg, and a grandson, Daniel Steven Wassilak.

Richard was born on June 12, 1929, and raised in Chicago. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Bethel Lutheran Church, Springfield & Hirsch, on April 18, 1943. He graduated from Taft High School in 1947 and earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1952. He worked for Western Electric and Sunbeam corporations. In 1962, he received an MBA from Northwestern University in Evanston, where he continued doctoral studies in business management and psychology. Richard was an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. Later, he became an avid entrepreneur, particularly with businesses that advanced natural nutrition and health innovations. Richard’s curious mind was always at work, trying to solve problems in everything from politics to health to the practical challenges of daily life.

He and his brother enjoyed many hours of planning and building a cabin in Northern Door County. They, their families, and the Sauer family, love the land and shore’s singular beauty and made many dear friends there.

Richard passionately supported the music career of his adoring wife, Mary Sauer, retired pianist, teacher, and principal keyboardist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. With the CSO, they traveled the world together. They also became surrogate parents and mentors to many of Mary’s students.

Nothing was more important to Richard than the Lord Jesus Christ and the faith life of his family and loved ones. He set an example of faithfulness in receiving God’s Word and Sacraments in the Lord’s House, from his beloved pastors and many Lutheran theologians. In the doctrinal controversies of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Richard was a stalwart adherent to the Holy Scriptures as the infallible, inspired Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions as a faithful exposition of that Word.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:30 A.M., St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, IL. Interment will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Little Sister Cemetery, Sister Bay, WI. at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church & School, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513.

Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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