Franz X. Buchberger

Visitation for Franz X. Buchberger, 68, of Palatine since 1988, will be held Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine.  Prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday, May 17, 2021, also at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, Palatine, and proceeding to Holy Family Church, 2515 Palatine Road, Inverness, where the Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m.  For those that are unable to join us in person, the mass will be live-streamed at the time of the event: https://holyfamilyparish.org/livestream/. The Interment will be private.

Franz was born February 2, 1953, in Gaimersheim, Germany, dear son of the late Franz and Ruth (née Thiede) Buchberger; and passed away, unexpectedly, on May 11, 2021.

Franz was the beloved husband of Ruth A. Buchberger (née Wagner); loving father of Brent (Melissa) Buchberger, Sabrina (Daniel) Graham, and Tess (Eric Love) Buchberger; loving grandfather of Elise Buchberger, Jacob Buchberger, Nellie Graham, and Addison Love; fond brother of Manfred Buchberger, Petra Weber, Dieter Buchberger, and the late Elke Zillmann; brother in law of Chris (Linda) Wagner, Bob (Hiroko) Wagner; and loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Franz was always a hard worker for his family and the community. Franz held a variety of occupations, starting as a reporter for three German newspapers and building toward a successful career in construction and facility management. His love of soccer spanned his entire life from professional player to coach and fan, and he passed along his passion for the sport to his kids and all those around him.  He found joy in all things and genuinely made an effort to listen and build a connection with everyone he met. Since his retirement, less than two years ago, Franz and Ruth enjoyed spending time with family, their cottage at Turner Camp, and towing their camper to 30 national parks. Franz will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to American Heart Association at donatenow.heart.org would be appreciated.