Frederick H. Figge, Jr.; age 85; USA Navy Veteran; of LaGrange Park. Beloved husband of Beverly M. Figge for a wonderful 63 years. Loving father of Dori (JR) Hobbs, Ann (Torben) Luth, Jane (John “Jed”) Duncan and Fred (Carolyn) Figge. Devoted grandfather of John (Megan), Eric (Molly), Jackson, Nina, Masha and Katia Hobbs; Tim, Michael and Julie Kanter, Carsten and Mia Luth; Kyle, Cole and Grace Duncan; and Freddy, Christopher and Owen Figge. Frederick was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy. Fond uncle and friend of many. Fred graduated from the University of Illinois in 1956. He served in the USA Navy from 1956 until 1958, where he was commissioned an ensign to serve on the staff of the Commander Western Sea Frontier and as an assistant admiral’s aid in San Francisco, CA. Fred spent six years in public accounting before joining the Encyclopedia Britannica in 1964 as their controller. During the next 30 years, Britannica enjoyed great growth from the knowledge explosion and the development of the international market. Not only did they expand their English language business, but they published more than a dozen foreign language encyclopedias. He traveled extensively throughout the world, and Bev joined him frequently. Fred retired in 1994 at the age of 60, having been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Britannica for more than 20 years. Fred enjoyed work, but his greatest joy was his family. Fred and Bev, his companion and leader for more than 63 years, enjoyed spending six months out of the year in Florida during his retirement, where he remained active in business trade associations, community organizations, and church associations on Marco Island, FL. He enjoyed volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, as well as participating in his usual hobbies of fishing and golfing. Fred’s kind, friendly, positive manner made him a friend to all. He will be deeply missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Dole Hall of Plymouth Place, 315 N. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the “University of Illinois Foundation” for the Fred Figge Endowment Fund directly to Harker Hall MC 386, 1305 W. Green St., Urbana, IL 61801. This fund was created by Fred 35 years ago as a gesture of appreciation for how far his education allowed him to succeed, and now this fund helps support teacher assistant’s salaries. Memorials may also be made to “United Church of Marco Island” for their Habitat for Humanity of Collier County Fund directly to 320 N. Barfield, Marco Island, FL 34145. Fred actively participated in the Habitat for Humanity of Collier County in assisting building homes for those in need.

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside.

For Service Information: 708-352-6500