Allen Hugo Koranda

Allen Hugo Koranda of Hinsdale, Illinois, and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025 after a long illness. He was 79 years old.

Born in Chicago to Eunice and Hugo Koranda, Allen was a committed family man who lived a life marked by integrity, leadership and kindness. His persistence, drive, and resilience led to commendable success in both his professional career and athletic pursuits, beginning with little league. He embraced every challenge - on and off the field - with unwavering determination and enthusiasm, leaving a lasting legacy through a life well lived.

A 1964 graduate of Hinsdale Township High School, Allen was named to the Illinois All-State high school football team as captain and received the prestigious Knute Rockne award for his standout performance as a star running back. Recruited by top universities for both his academic achievements and athletic prowess, he ultimately chose Northwestern University, where he graduated with honors in 1968 and finished his football career as one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten, ranked sixth in tackles.

Allen went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1971. After briefly practicing law, he joined Mid America Federal Savings and Loan, and in 1984, succeeded his father as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Under Allen's leadership, the thrift was converted to a public company in 1990 (MAF Bancorp, Inc.), and, together with his younger brother Ken, over the next 15 years they grew Mid America Bank to around $12 billion in assets and more than 80 branches across Chicagoland and the Milwaukee area. In 2007, the bank was sold to National City Corporation where Allen continued as a member of their board of directors until its merger into PNC Bank. He later served on the Board of Standard Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Hickory Hills, Illinois, from 2013 till 2017.

A respected leader in both Chicago's community banking sector and the broader community, Allen held numerous leadership roles throughout his career including serving on the local school board, various nonprofit boards, and industry trade associations.

He was elected as Chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago in the early 2000's. Allen was deeply committed to the Wellness House, a Hinsdale-based organization that provides vital support to cancer patients, survivors, and their families. As a longtime board member, he played an instrumental role from the organization's early beginnings, later serving as president of the Wellness House Foundation and named a lifetime trustee in 2006.

Allen was curious and always learning. In his spare time, he was a voracious reader, avid tennis player, and fearless powder-tree snow skier. He was passionate about red wine, cars and rock and roll, and loved to dance. He also enjoyed golfing with his wife, Jennifer, and time spent walking the beach and watching sunsets over the Gulf with his favorite cocktail in hand. He was a thoughtful son, generous father, and an energetic, devoted grandfather who brought humor and wisdom to the Koranda family. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his grandchildren at their many sporting events and offering his expert "GrandpAl" advice from the sidelines. He cherished time spent with family every Fourth of July at his lake home in Michigan, where he captained his boat, slalomed skied at 70 years of age, took pride in yard work, and manned the grill with enthusiasm. Regardless of which hat he was wearing, Allen embraced life with discipline, persistence and deep affection for those he loved most.

Allen is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer Evans; his brother, Ken Koranda (Susan); his sister, Jan Koranda; his children, Kerry Koranda (Lisa), Kara Pfouts (Andrew), and Krista Koranda; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Nicholas Pfouts, Alison Koranda, Emma Pfouts, Lukas Koranda, Finn Torvik, Jason Koranda, and Sander Torvik; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Robert Koranda.

A celebration of life for this exceptional man whose impact will be felt for generations is planned for Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook, IL. Visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Allen's memory to the Wellness House (www.wellnesshouse.org) and to the Rob Koranda Scholarship Foundation (www.robkorandascholarship.com).