Donald F. Cuddihee, Jr.
July 24, 1955 – February 8, 2025

Donald F. Cuddihee, Jr., age 69, a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, and a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 8, 2025. He was born on July 24, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Donald and Doris Cuddihee.

Don grew up in St. Louis as the eldest of five children, where he attended St. Jerome Catholic School before continuing his education at The Hun School of Princeton in New Jersey. He went on to earn a degree in Industrial Design with a focus in Graphic Design from The Ohio State University and later pursued a master's degree in Urban Planning and Policy.

He began his career in Kansas City, MO, working in graphic design for Hallmark Cards. His creative journey led him to Charlotte, NC, then to Greenville, SC, where he met the love of his life, Gisela Veltman. They married on November 5, 1994, at St. Mary's Church. Together, they built a beautiful life, eventually settling in the Chicago area, where Don continued his professional career with the County of DuPage and later the Archdiocese of Chicago. His most cherished role, however, was being a stay-at-home father to his children. He later worked for the Wheaton Park District, where he found great joy in serving the community.

Don had a deep passion for antique automobiles and was a proud former president and editor of the Blackhawk Chapter newsletter for the Studebaker Drivers Club. He found immense joy in vintage automobiles. Don was a lover of animals and had a great passion for all things classic: cars, music, movies, and culture. Music was a great love of his, and he was known for his appreciation of various genres, from jazz to blues-rock to bossa nova. He was a kind, creative, and devoted man who touched the lives of many through his humor, generosity, and unwavering love.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gisela Cuddihee; their three children, Don, Paul, and Tara; his father, Donald F. Cuddihee, Sr.; and his siblings, Brendan (Connie) Cuddihee, Lavin Cuddihee, Mary (Howard) Cuddihee Skrill, and Mark (Lynn) Cuddihee. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Cuddihee.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church, 101 West Loop Road, Wheaton, Illinois 60189. Interment will be held at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

In honor of Don's life and the care he received, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross or encourages friends and family to donate blood in his memory.

To share condolences and memories, please sign the online guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For further details, please contact Hultgren Funeral Home at (630) 668-0027.

Don's warmth, creativity, and kindness will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.