Alexander Kirschner

Alexander "Alex" KirschnerOf Arlington Heights Alexander Kirschner was born December 18, 1925 to Samuel and Eva (nee Berendt) and grew up in Ostpreussen, Petersdorf, Germany, coming to the United States in 1954." He passed away peacefully, January 30, 2017 at his home.Alex married his sweetheart Ingeborg in 1952 after having met at a dance and knowing it was love at first sight." After arriving and settling in the U.S. he decided to open his own business; Al Kirschner's Custom Upholstery in Chicago. "He is remembered as a beloved Husband, "Papa", and cherished "Opa" who worked hard and put family first.Alex had a heart of gold and will be missed by many who were entertained by his innate ability to tell a good story or joke. As a Cubs fan he and his brother Erich enjoyed spending time watching baseball and playing billiards together. He loved taking long walks, admiring the beauty of nature, all while practicing his hobby of photography to share with pen-pals around the world. He appreciated music and literature, and continued his love of travel throughout his retirement. In his later years he decided to buy himself a computer, spending many treasured hours playing games, writing his "Tagebuch", and calling friends and family here and abroad on Skype. No one can forget his passion for solving the Rubik's Cube which he attempted to teach anyone who would be willing to try." Alex was not only a master in his craft as an Upholsterer, but had a lifelong love of learning for history, languages, and fun facts.He is survived by, his children, Gisela (Raymond) Kist and Heidi (Randall) Woods; his grandchildren, Steffen and Alex Kist, Emily and Kaitlyn Woods; his brother Otto (Dorothea) Kirschner in Germany; his nieces and nephews, Karin (Gus) Stoltz, Renate Kirschner, Ralf (Angelika) and Andreas (Kristina) Kirschner; great nieces and nephews, Erik (Vanessa), Sally and Maggie, Nick and Haley; sisters-in-laws, Anni Kirschner, Irma Dzul and Erika (Werner) Pauk. Alex also leaves several loving and special home and hospice caregivers who became members of his extended family.He was preceded in death by his wife Ingeborg (nee Penner); his siblings, Gustav, Maria, Linda, Elsa, Emma, Helmut, Albert, and Erich; nephews Mathias and Fritz Eike.Visitation Sunday, February 5, 2017 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, (4 blocks south of Palatine Road) Arlington Heights." Funeral service 10:00 am, Monday, February 6, 2017 at the Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd." Interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery.To make a lasting tribute honoring the life of Alex, the family asks that contributions be made to help those in need receive the same compassionate care JourneyCare provided for their family." Contributions can be sent to JourneyCare Foundation, 2050 Claire Court, Glenview, IL 60025 or online at http://journeycare.org/donate." Funeral information and condolences www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.