A Life Well-Lived

Richard “Dick” Ubl was born on June 3, 1932. He began his college education at Drake University in 1950 and graduated in 1954. After college, he served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Japan. In 1957, he met Carol Chaberski, and they were married the following year. Together, they raised four daughters and were later blessed with 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. (Pictured above: In 1997, the Community Foundation reached a milestone—surpassing $1 million in total grants awarded across the County since its founding. To commemorate the occasion, Board President Dave Juday and Dick Ubl posed with an oversized check symbolizing this landmark achievement.)

A Career of Purpose

Dick Ubl contributes to the discussion during the 2018 Community Foundation President’s Council meeting held in the Board Room.

Dick began his career at Loyola University before joining Northern Illinois University in 1974. Over nearly two decades, he served as Director of Development and Alumni Relations and Executive Director of the NIU Foundation. He retired in 1993 and soon after became the first executive director of the DeKalb County Community Foundation—a role he cherished deeply.

In those early years, Dick played a key role in transforming the Foundation from vision to reality. He established its first office, expanded its reach across the county, and set a bold goal of growing the Foundation’s assets to $10 million within a decade. Through his leadership, focus on endowment building, and commitment to community grantmaking, the Foundation exceeded that goal—growing from $4 million in assets to over $16 million by the time he retired in 1999. During his tenure, the number of named Funds increased from a handful to nearly 70, with more than $1.5 million in grants awarded to benefit the people of DeKalb County.

To honor his retirement, the Foundation’s Board established the Richard and Carol Ubl Fund, a Community Impact Fund that continues to provide flexible support to meet emerging needs and opportunities across the county.

A Legacy of Service

Even in retirement, Dick remained a dedicated community servant. He was active in the DeKalb Rotary Club, served on the boards of the Voluntary Action Center and the DeKalb County Nursing and Rehab Center, and held positions on the Fire and Police Commissions in both DeKalb and Sycamore. He continued to give his time and wisdom in support of causes close to his heart.

“Dick’s work to build a strong foundation for the ‘house’ that is the DeKalb County Community Foundation is greatly appreciated,” said executive director Dan Templin.  “He was a great source of wisdom and encouragement for me and former director Jerry Smith. He will be missed but his legacy lives on through our mission and services.”

Dick Ubl passed away in May 2025. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to community service and local philanthropy, gifts in his honor can be made to the Richard and Carol Ubl Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation.