Francis "Fritz" Briel

Francis "Fritz" Briel, 84, of Downers Grove passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at LaSalle Veterans Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 Monday, October 31, 2016 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 to 5:00 Sunday, October 30, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery with military rites.

Fritz was born May 18, 1932 in Ottawa, Illinois to Francis and Veronica (Shandor) Briel. He married Joan Fancher on June 18, 1955 at St. Columba Church. Joan passed away January 2, 2009. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Fritz had various jobs in manufacturing and retired as Vice President of Priority Manufacturing.

In retirement he enjoyed working in his yard, working at Craig’s service station, and most importantly being with his family. He was completely devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by two sons, Scott (Barbara) of Downers Grove and Craig (Barbara) of Lisle; four grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Briel of Fredericksburg Virginia, Mark Briel of Downers Grove and Angela and Jessica Briel of Lisle; his brother Gerald (Lorriane) Briel and his sister-in-law, Sally Briel, and is a fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brother and sister in law Richard and Karen Briel and his brother Joseph Briel.