Carl John Storz

Carl John Storz, 85, of Arlington Heights, IL, (former longtime resident of Mt. Prospect, IL) a devoted husband, father, WWII history enthusiast, passionate aviation aficionado and lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024 after complications from 17 years of chronic renal failure.

Born on October 9, 1938 in Chicago, IL, the son of Karl & Hilda (nee Brucklacher) Storz, Carl was raised on Chicago’s NW side in the Dunning neighborhood, and graduated from Steinmetz High School in 1956. Carl served in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri as an adjutant to base command. Carl’s love for history, particularly WWII, began at an early age and became a lifelong passion. He avidly collected memorabilia, read extensively, and found camaraderie among fellow history enthusiasts wherever he went.

Carl’s professional life was equally distinguished. He began his 30yr dairy career working with his father at The Borden Dairy Company (Tripp Avenue/Chicago, IL). While his father was a career transportation driver, Carl’s early passion was in the processing/production aspect of the dairy, rapidly ascending to the role of Head Cheese Maker. Upon the plant’s closure, Carl became employed by Brook Hill Farms Dairy Specialties (Milwaukee Avenue/Chicago, IL), best known for making the dairy product Reddi-Wip. He started there as a general dairy worker, eventually ascending to Plant Engineer and Union Steward. Upon that plant’s closure, Carl became employed by The Cream Products Company (Cicero Avenue/Cicero, IL) as a Plant Engineer, focusing on the emerging FFS (Form/Fill/Seal) technology of producing aseptic individual coffee creamers, and schooled/trained in Germany by The Hassia Corporation, an international dairy equipment manufacturer. Later in life, he transitioned to work as a Level 7 Maintenance Engineer with the United States Postal Service at the Des Plaines, IL branch, which he enjoyed until his unexpected early retirement due to poor health.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Carl had a deep love for airplanes and flying. Whether visiting annual air shows such as the EAA AirVenture (Oshkosh, WI) or reading the aircraft & pilot journals from his memberships, his enthusiasm was contagious. He often shared stories of his favorite vintage planes, and cherished memories of flying experiences with friends and family.

Carl's faith was central to his life. As a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church (Martin Luther Lutheran Church/Chicago, IL and Grace Lutheran Church/Mt. Prospect, IL), he found strength and community in his Christian beliefs, participating in the church over the years by actively contributing to church activities such as the church council, leading the property committee, and singing in the choir.

Carl will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 56 years, Beverly (nee Stahnke), his children Andy (Pam) of Carol Stream, Debbie (Laura Beckett) of Melbourne, Australia, Karl (Nicole) of Crystal Lake and his grandchildren Kaitlyn, Emilie, Mia, Ali, CJ Elswick and Carlee who brought him immense joy in his later years. He is also survived by his loving sister Lorraine Schuessler and many cherished nieces & nephews. His legacy of kindness, curiosity, dedication to his passions, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A celebration of Carl's life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church Mount Prospect on July 12, 2024, with Public Visitation from 10:00am to 11am, Funeral Service from 11am to 12pm, and Committal Service at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Carl's memory.

The funeral service at Grace Lutheran Church will be livestreamed, you can view the livestream by clicking the link attached and using the following information:

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86543729643Meeting ID: 865 4372 9643One tap mobile +13126266799,,86543729643#Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799Meeting ID: 865 4372 9643