In Memoriam: Hans (John) Kendl

Hans was born Johann Kendl in Bulkes, Yugoslavia to the late Adam and Katharina (nee Pauli) Kendl on December 14, 1937. On April 15, 1945, his family was transported to the concentration camp in Jarek. A year later, the survivors were transferred to Kruscevlye, another concentration camp in Yugoslavia. They then escaped and crossed into Hungary where they found freedom. In May of 1947, the family settled in Austria where they were put into a refugee camp for those seeking jobs. During most of those years (1942-1949), Hans’s father was missing in action until the American Red Cross found him in a Russian prison camp and the family was reunited. Hans’ grandfather was a master bricklayer and was hired to work in Graz, Austria. They lived in Austria until September 1955, at which time they emigrated to the United States.

Hans was trained as an electro-mechanic and spent his career in the tradeshow industry. His job carried him all around the world setting up exhibits. He often reminisced about the times he went to the Middle East, his favorite being in Dubai. This ignited his passion for travel. After having lost so much as a boy, he said that memories of travel were something that could never be taken away.

In 1959, Hans married his first wife, Erika Staudinger, who he met at a German festival at Riverview. They had two daughters, Monika and Isabell. They raised their children in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was actively involved in the Alpine Ski Club and served as president for many years, where he made friendships that remain to this day.

In 1991, Hans married Christine Dedner and welcomed three step-children into the family—Patty (Danny)Vega, Jeannette Ruoff, and Arnie Ruoff. They built a wonderful life together, exploring the world, playing golf, and growing tomatoes. His biggest joy was his great grandchildren, who lovingly called him Opa. His interests changed from travel to travel baseball where Hans would be seen carrying his webbed lawn chair from game to game. He never really understood the game of baseball, always changing the subject to soccer. Luckily there were soccer games to watch as well. Sports was not the only thing he enjoyed spectating. His later years were spent watching birds and even making peace with the squirrels. He said it was better than watching TV.

Hans died on February 8, 2025 at the JourneyCare Hospice Facility. He is survived by his wife Christine, sister Irene (John) Spanroff, daughters Monika (Robert) Langdon and Isabell Kendl. In addition, he leaves behind three granddaughters, Jacquelyn (Josh) Paulson, Amy (Chad) Meyer, and Sarah (Jeremy) Slivnick, as well as nine great- grandchildren, Adam, Reagan, Sydney, Penny, Frances, Georgia, Jack, Molly, and Evelyn.

Visitation for Hans will take place at Glueckert Funeral Home 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

A funeral will be held at The Orchard Church 1330 N Douglas Ave, Arlington Heights, Illinois on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to the American Cancer Society or JourneyCare Hospice.

John was my business partner and we traveled the world doing tradeshows.

What a great friend to travel with and enjoy life. We always said this about business travel-

You work you butt off for 8 hours, and then find the time to enjoy just one hour between it all. That we did!

John will be missed.