Richard K. Bauer, age 75, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He was born August 10, 1950 in Chicago, IL to Kenneth & Mary Bauer.

His keen interest in radio communication guided many of his lifelong passions and professional life. Richard was raised in Park Forest, Illinois, where he attended Rich East High School. He went on to study radio and television broadcasting at the University of Illinois Chicago, pursuing a lifelong passion for communications. Early in his career, he hosted a radio show in Macomb, Illinois. He parlayed his skills in radio communications into a celebrated career as the deputy director for DuPage Public Safety Communications or DU-COMM, where he managed 911 emergency communications. A pioneer in emergency communications, he was instrumental in saving countless lives by swiftly dispatching lifesaving resources across DuPage county.

Richard and his beloved wife, Donna, shared countless adventures together during their 56 years of marriage. Traveling by motorhome, they experienced the beauty of America firsthand, eventually visiting all 48 contiguous states and creating treasured memories along the way.They took great pleasure in the splendor of nature, going on long hikes to sites of great historical importance and singular beauty.

Rich was fascinated by radio, electronics, computers, and amateur (ham) radio, always eager to explore new technology and share his knowledge with others. His callsign (N9DKO) and Donna's (N9DKN) were iconic symbols of how they were connected to so many lives across the world. He would often sign off his messages with "73" - shorthand in amateur radio circles for "Best Regards."

Those who knew Richard will remember his remarkable sense of humor. He was a gifted storyteller who could effortlessly weave a joke into any conversation. He also enjoyed sharing clips of his travels with Donna on his YouTube channel and was an enthusiastic fan of game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune.

In 2013 he embraced a new challenge by learning to fly, fulfilling his dream of becoming a licensed pilot. Flying quickly became one of his greatest joys, offering him a new perspective on the world he loved to explore.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna; his sister Susan Bauer; his nephew Graham Rosby; his great-nephew Glenn Rosby. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers-in-law Tom & Steve Lombaer.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, where a funeral service will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Salvation Army. For those wishing to send a floral arrangement as a gift to the family, please consider a potted, live plant.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.

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