Albert Carl Grabow

Albert Carl Grabow, 97, of Naperville, Illinois, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. He passed peacefully surrounded by immediate family. Al was also known by family, friends and co-workers as "Bajo", "Benny", and "Bud".
Al was born on January 17, 1928, on the family farm in Plainfield, Illinois. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Marmion Military Academy, and Aurora East High School in Aurora, Illinois. Al enlisted in the military at age 17 and was assigned to the 3rd Army 504th MPS. He served 1½ years of service with one year served in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon returning home from service he started his 68-year career as a member of the Bricklayers Union Local 21. For 10 years Al owned and operated Albert Grabow and Son Masonry, followed by 25 years with Lawrence J. Dodd Masonry in Oswego, Illinois.
He met and married his bride, Florence, in March,1951. In 1990 he and his lovely wife, Florence, retired to Webster, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed life on Yellow Lake until Spring 2017. It was here he enjoyed his favorite past times of evening fishing on the lake with his wife, fishing with family and friends, hunting, and gardening. Al belonged to several organizations and volunteered his services. He was a member of the Oswego American Legion; Loyal Order of the Moose; Knights of Columbus, Council 8985, and a lifetime member of the VFW. While living in Aurora, Al was an active member of the Lucky Fifty Fishing Club in Montgomery, Illinois, and a member of the Aurora Racing Pigeon Club for 20 years. During his retirement in Wisconsin, Al volunteered at the Fort Folle Avoine Historical Park. He was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Church in Webster, and volunteered over 27 years of service to his community.
He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Florence (Pranga); one son, Albert C. Grabow, Jr., (Katherine) and one daughter, Theresa Leffelman (Dean), 8 grandchildren: Jennifer Lee (Jeff); Colleen Thielk (Chad), Bryan Lieser (Loren); Andrew Lieser (Courtney); Jeremy Lieser (Elizabeth), and Benjamin Leffelman (fiancée Theresa); Patrice Ghaderi (Bahram), and Rachel Leffelman; and 19 great-grandchildren: Adam Lee, Grace Lee, Ethan Ankrom, Nicholas Ankrom, Kameren Lieser, Ava Lieser, Bryan Lieser, Jr., Adrian Martinez, Aubrie Martinez; Aden Lieser, Emily Lieser, Lila Lieser, Cole Richardson, and Savannah Richardson, Emma Lieser, William Lieser; Gabrielle Ghaderi, Maya Ghaderi, and Drake Ghaderi. Al is survived by one sister, Shirley Nobel (Bruce).
He was predeceased by his father, Albert C. Grabow, and mother, Theresa Kies (Theron), six brothers and sisters: Theodore Grabow (Betty), Robert Grabow (Louise), Mary Dieter (Paul), Lillian Lents (Ray), Nicholas Kies (Mary), and one year old baby sister, Elaine.
Al was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed his family and was very proud of each and every one. Al wanted everyone to be happy and would always go out of his way to have the best family time together; even the little things, like enjoying a root beer float, ice cream cones, and popcorn; all were his specialties. The four-wheeler rides up north, setting up fishing poles on the dock, bonfires, turtle races; family card games; and lake fireworks on the 4th of July. "He made you feel special, like the most important person at that moment". So many wonderful memories!
He will always be remembered, loved, and truly missed by all. He was a blessing to us all for which we will be forever grateful. We love you forever.
Visitation will be held on Saturday June 14th, 2025 from 9AM-10AM at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (8S055 Dugan Rd, Sugar Grove, IL 60554). The Memorial Mass will begin at 10AM followed by the procession to Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com to leave condolences for Al's family or sign the guest book.