Richard Dirk Gnodde

Richard Dirk Gnodde, 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale.

Dirk is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Billie Gnodde (née Carolyn Slayden); his loving daughter, Raleigh Seraponas (Tim); and his cherished grandchildren, Ailea and Tatum. He was preceded in death by his son, Carter Weems Gnodde.

Dirk was born on December 3, 1940, in Tondano, Indonesia, to Jacob and Dorothy Gnodde. His early childhood was marked by extraordinary hardship and resilience. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces invaded the Dutch East Indies, and Dirk, his mother, and older brother were interned in a prison camp while his father was held in a separate forced labor camp for men in Japan. Tragically, Dirk’s older brother, Robert, died during their imprisonment.  

After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Dirk and his mother were reunited with his father in Australia before the family eventually settled in Arlington, Virginia, where he experienced a more typical American childhood. Dirk attended George Washington University, where he met Billie and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. He later earned his MBA degree.

Dirk and Billie were married in June 1967 in Washington, D.C., beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly six decades. His career afforded their family the opportunity to live in London from 1975 to 1977, Baltimore from 1978 to 1984, Hinsdale from 1984 to 2010, and then Burr Ridge.

Dirk was deeply committed to his faith and community, particularly through his involvement at Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale. He was an active member of the men’s group, sang in the church choir, and served as treasurer, vestry member, and outreach chairman. Dedicated to outreach and service, Dirk volunteered at soup kitchens, supported PADS, and worked with formerly incarcerated individuals through Saint Leonard’s Ministries.

He was especially passionate about creating opportunities for underserved and marginalized communities and took pride in bringing guest speakers to Grace who offered insight, education, and support on important social issues. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life was his partnership with Holy Family Ministry School on Chicago’s West Side. As a weekly classroom aide, Dirk formed lasting relationships with students, faculty, and clergy, and he took great joy in supporting a community dedicated to academic excellence and expanding opportunities for young people striving to build brighter futures.

Dirk possessed an insatiable curiosity and lifelong love of learning. He was endlessly interested in history, sports, the stock market, and music. He especially enjoyed discovering new music through his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, and delighted in sharing favorite songs with family and friends. He became well known — and lovingly teased — for his spontaneous serenades.

Dirk deeply cherished not only his beloved wife, Billie, but also her extraordinary cooking, their shared love of France, and the many adventures they experienced together through travel. Over the years, Dirk and Billie created treasured memories exploring Europe, China, Turkey, and Morocco together.

Dirk will be remembered for his quiet strength, enduring compassion, deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Ministries in honor of Dirk and his dedication to its mission and community. When donating online, please select “Dedicate to someone special” and include Dirk Gnodde. Donations by mail may be sent to Holy Family Ministries, 2215 Enterprise Drive, Suite 1510, Westchester, IL 60154.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday , June 27th at 11:00am at Grace Episcopal Church 120 E 1st St  Hinsdale Il. There will be a reception following the service in the church's parish hall. All are welcome.

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