Albert Krenz

Albert Charles Krenz, age 80, a Vietnam era Special Forces Army veteran, of Countryside, died December 29, 2024. Devoted husband of Elisabeth Brouwers Krenz; brother of the late Lucille (Ken) Novak; uncle of Heidi Lancaster and Brian Novak; loving son of his late parents Otto Krenz and Cecelia Krenz, nee Bertleff. 

Al was born June 12, 1944, in southwest Chicago. He attended Lindblom Tech High School, graduating in 1962. He maintained contact with his class of 1962 throughout his lifetime, with formal and informal annual reunions. He attended the University of Illinois, Urbana, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. 

Al served with the Army Special Forces from 1966 to 1986. He retired with the rank of Master Sergeant of the Army Reserves with the 12th Special Forces Group, Airborne. He was a man of extraordinary service and dedication. A graduate of Airborne and Jumpmaster School. He completed over 75 parachute jumps during his military career, achieving the rating of Master Parachutist, earning the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him. Al devoted 20 years of his life to the military and made a profound difference in the lives of those who served with him. His strategic vision and unwavering work ethic contributed to making the Signal Company of the 12th Special Forces a better unit. 

Al loved auto racing, especially Formula One. He attended many races at the Indianapolis Speedway, both on his own and with his association with Bosch. He attended many racing events at Road America in Plymouth, Wisconsin every year. His favorite F1 race was when he traveled with his car buddies to the Monaco Grand Prix, a once in a lifetime trip. 

Al learned to scuba dive early in his life. At that time, equipment was low tech, necessitating using dive tables to plan a dive and using equipment now considered inferior. Al dived in Lake Michigan using drysuits and in tropical reefs all over the world, including Australia, Micronesia, and the Caribbean. He had just under 1000 dives in his life. He became a Divemaster, and these skills came in handy when he met Elly, his wife, on a 2 week trip to Palau and Chuuk, and slowly corrected all of her bad diving habits. They were inseparable, though initially geographically separated between Denver and Chicago, calling each other daily and visiting each other every month for several years. They continued diving and picked up cruising after Elly retired. 

Al worked with Bosch for 34 years. He was a dedicated and accomplished professional who served the Robert Bosch Corporation with distinction from 1975 to 2009. Al's career in the automotive service department was marked by his exceptional expertise in technical matters and his passion for European cars. Al's bilingual abilities and technical acumen made him ideally suited for the role of Director of Service for North America. In this capacity, he worked closely with prestigious customers such as Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, and BMW, as well as Heavy-Duty customers and automotive trade associations. His contributions to the industry were significant, and his legacy will be remembered by colleagues and clients alike. Beyond his professional achievements, Al was a beloved friend and mentor to many, including his friends at BOSCH headquarters in Germany. His enthusiasm for cars and his dedication to his work were matched only by his kindness and generosity to those around him. 

For the last 18 years, Al was an active member of The American Legion Post 1941 in La Grange, IL. Al was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership for his many contributions, which included visiting local schools to award The American Legion School Awards and scholarships, planning and participating in Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Patriots Day ceremonies and serving as the Post representative for Boys State. Al served as Post Commander from August of 2011 through July of 2013. While Commander, Al took the lead on updating the Post’s Constitution & Bylaws by removing gender references and many obsolete clauses. For the last 11 years, Al served as the Post Adjutant and filed all Department of Illinois and National Headquarters required forms. Al leaves large shoes to fill – he will be greatly missed. 

Services and Internment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 31stStreet, Brookfield, IL 60513. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

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