Joseph A. Kainz

Joe Kainz, 82, of Tower Lakes, passed away on June 3, 2018.  He was at home with Sue, his adored wife of 56 years, when he took his last breath.  Joe’s generosity of spirit was unique and bigger than life. For those lucky to have known him, his instantly engaging personality was his trademark.  Joe could sit down with anyone and talk politics, sports, business, life, or philosophy with a genuine interest in your story and thoughts.  Known for his legendary hospitality, his guests never had to wait long for a refill.  Joe graduated from The University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana in 1956 with a degree in food science.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Sue Elliott. They were married in 1961, and spent the next half a century travelling, listening to jazz, entertaining, laughing, loving, and occasionally driving each other crazy.  Out of college, he worked in his family’s Chicago dairy business until Sue convinced him that his ambitions were bigger than milk.  He switched gears to medical sales and found his career path with American Hospital Supply.  He became a top salesman for AHS, combining his intellect, work ethic, and charm into great success.  Joe touched many lives in the hospitals he sold to, from OR doctors to materials managers to dock workers.  He took an early “retirement” package at 55, and began his second act as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.   Together with Sue and his three sons Michael, Patrick, and John, he founded Wild Onion Brewery and The Onion Pub in Lake Barrington, IL, along with MAP Brewing in Bozeman, MT.  He started a medical supply distribution company, BV Medical in Lake Barrington, and sat on the board of Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital.  His knowledge of the health care industry was extensive, and his search for new and promising medical breakthroughs lasted until the end.  He and Sue also founded The Kainz Family Foundation, and for the past 18 years gave generously to many organizations.  He had a deep understanding of history, astronomy, and was a lifelong Bears, Hawks, and Cubs fan-he appreciated the advent of flat-screen TV’s on game days and nights.  He is survived by his loving wife, three sons, and 8 grandchildren.

Services will be private.