Frederick Kierl, Jr

Frederick Joseph Kierl, Jr., 77, of Algonquin, IL, peacefully passed away at home January 30, surrounded by his family. Known as Joe and Papa Joe, he was born in Scammon, KS September 29, 1938. He joined the Navy at the young age of 17. He loved sailing the beautiful oceans and proudly served his country with three tours in Vietnam. After 20 years of service, Joe retired from the Navy and worked in the automotive industry until his retirement in 2002.

Joe met his wife, Jeri, in Norfolk, VA while stationed at the Norfolk Naval Base in October 1963. She fell in love with that sailor in his uniform and they were married March 21, 1964 in North Carolina. For 52 years, she always referred to herself as his Navy wife.

Survived by his wife, Geraldine I. Kierl (nee Heflin), son, Anthony (Heather) Kierl, daughter, Diane (Matthew) O’Connor, sisters, Sandy (Ted) Fiocati, Sharon (Ronnie) Bailey, brother, Dan Kierl, nephews, Ted (Angie), Jeff , Randy Fiocati, and Ben (Melissa) Kierl. Nieces, Sarah (Zac) Anna and Karma (Mark) Lohrenz, 10 grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica), Alex, Bria (Dustin), Beth, Sayde, Zachary, Erik, Matthew, Jordan, and Angelina, 4 great-grandchildren, Tyler, ShilaRae, Mia and Mason, numerous other great-nieces and nephews and his three beloved cats Magic, Boozie & Baby.

Preceded in death by his father, Frederick Joseph Kierl Sr., mother, Josephine Theresa Kierl (nee Torchia), sister Charlotte, brother Jim, grandson Adam and granddaughter Melissa.

It was Joe’s wishes that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Frederick Joseph Kierl Jr., https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3, from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake, IL. Mass will be held at 1 pm at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake, IL. Following Mass, the burial will be held in Windridge Memorial Park, 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Rd, Cary, IL.

Papa Joe loved our family and loved our country. We lost our best friend and mentor. He was our teacher of kindness, gentleness and laughter. Papa Joe had a gift to make everyone feel so loved. A man that could command a room and inspire the uninspired. Our world will never be the same without him, but we will all live by the many lessons he taught us. Rest in peace, Papa Joe, until we can all be together again.

Boatswain . . . Stand by to pipe the side, shipmate’s going ashore