Harold Christian Aichholzer

(October 17, 1931 - July 13, 2025)

Harold Christian Aichholzer, 93, passed away on July 13, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Aichholzer. Loving father of Lynne (Paul) Ksiazek, Steven (Mary) Aichholzer and Laura (Steven) Antkowiak. Proud grandfather of Joseph (Elly), James (Paulina), Stephanie, Marissa, Matthew and Brett (Kenny). Cherished great grandfather of Julia, Emily and Lily. Brother and friend to Ronald Aichholzer. Admired uncle and godfather to many nieces and nephews.

Harold was born on October 17, 1931, in Chicago to Gabriel and Clara Aichholzer, who emigrated from Austria and Germany respectively. As Harold grew up, he became friends with Ed Gordon and the late Jay Bloom, two friends from school. Together with Ronald, the four got into plenty of mischief. Harold was musical and learned to play the accordion. He attended Kilmer Elementary School in Chicago and graduated from Sullivan High School in Chicago in 1949.

Upon graduating high school, he attended The University of Illinois at Navy Pier for two years. When Navy Pier closed, Harold transferred to The University of Illinois at Champaign to finish his undergraduate degree. There, he met his roommate Walter Stuckmann, an elder brother of Barbara. When Walter and Harold attended a party one evening, Harold met Barbara, and they began dating. Harold went on to get his master's degree finishing in 1954. After college, Harold was drafted in the United States Army. Upon completing his basic training, he and Barbara married on February 6, 1954, so they could start their lives together in Fort Hood, TX, where Harold was stationed for two years.

Harold was honorably discharged from the Army as a Signal Supply Specialist, Third Class. Harold and Barbara returned home to an apartment in Chicago to be closer to family and to start their own. As their family grew in size, they moved to Glenview, IL in the mid-1960s. Harold, ever the handyman, finished the basement and lovingly turned it into a recreation room for his family.

Harold was always ambitious and motivated. His career included positions at Material Service Corporation, Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia, Field Enterprises Educational Corporation and eventually became the Vice President of International Operations at World Book Encyclopedia. There he discovered his love of travel, visiting places all over the globe including (but not limited to), Germany, Austria, England, Mexico, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, Egypt, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Occasionally, he was able to bring his wife and children on these trips and share his love of exploration with them. Harold and Barbara's favorite stopover on a long flight was Hawaii.

After almost 30 years, Harold and Barbara retired and moved to their peaceful retreat in Paddock Lake, Wisconsin. Harold bought a sailboat named Morning Glory and loved to sail on the lake, showing his family and friends the ropes. With more time on his hands, Harold became an avid golfer and would hit the course with his friends, son, son-in-law, and grandsons through the ripe old age of 92. He was a wizard with new technology and loved to teach himself new skills. Harold wanted to give back to local veterans, having served himself, and volunteered for over ten years at the Veterans Hospital at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. He applied his tech skills and loved getting to know and work with veterans, while teaching them how to navigate the online healthcare system. In 2016, Harold had the opportunity to participate in The Honor Flight Chicago and traveled to Washington D.C. to be thanked for his service. Lovingly dubbed "The Daddy-Father Who No One Else Could Love", Harold exuded strength and kindness; always the perfect example for his children and grandchildren to look up to. He was a wonderful man and friend who would take others under his wing and proffer advice when needed. His wisdom and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 1704 240th Avenue, Kansasville, WI on July 24, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Mass of Christian Burial to follow, officiated by Father Hugo Londono. Burial with full military honors will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Veterans Foundation (National Veterans Foundation | The Lifeline for Vets ), or The American Cancer Society (End Cancer As We Know It | AmericanCancerSociety ).