Richard D. Bielenberg, Sr.

Richard D. “Dick” Bielenberg, Sr., age 84, of Morrison, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025. He was born on May 17, 1941, in Castana, Iowa, to Irvin and Eva (Jepsen) Bielenberg. Dick attended Charter Oak–Ute schools and graduated in 1957. After high school, he began his working life in soil conservation in Denison, Iowa, and later operated Bielenberg’s Pump Service in Charter Oak. In 1979, he relocated to Illinois, where he began a long and dedicated career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Dick retired in 1999 after more than forty years of service. Never one to slow down, he went on to become an auctioneer following his retirement. On March 13, 1976, Dick married Retha Hasbrouck in Charter Oak, Iowa. Together, they shared many happy years enjoying golf, card games, and bowling. An accomplished bowler with an impressive 190 average, Dick and Retha traveled together to compete in national bowling tournaments, creating cherished memories along the way. Dick was deeply committed to serving his community. He was an active member of the Lions Club, serving as president and receiving the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. He also served as president of the Fulton Country Club, was a member of the Fulton Saddle Club, and volunteered at the Albany Food Pantry. Known for his strong work ethic, Dick led by example and instilled those values in his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and integrity. Dick was also an avid and enthusiastic collector. His remarkable collections included more than 7,000 hammers, 2,000 logo golf balls, as well as buttons, keychains, belt buckles, and pencil sharpeners—each reflecting his curiosity, attention to detail, and joy in preserving pieces of everyday history.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Retha; children: Kelley-Eva Bielenberg; Richard (Robin Andersen) Bielenberg, Jr.; Kristy (Rodney) Feldman; Dr. Diane Bielenberg; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; his siblings: Virgil (Kathy) Bielenberg, Ronnie (Susie) Bielenberg, Shirley Razler, Lois Weiss, Dale (Kate) Bielenberg, Linda Cerny; his in-laws: Pat Bielenberg, Rick Hasbrouck and Jerry (Joanie) Hasbrouck.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his stepson, Danny Bridgeman, Kelley-Eva’s daughter, Madelyn Scott, his siblings: Lyle and Merle Bielenberg, Barb (Ronnie) Fritz, Mel Cerny, and members of the Hasbrouck family.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Albany Methodist Church, in Albany, IL, with Pastor Toni Lucas officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Family and friends may visit on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster, WI is entrusted with his care.