Dr. Francis A. Kania

Dr. Francis ("Fran") Kania of Lombard, IL, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on January 8, 2026, at the age of 65.
Fran met the love of his life, Connie (Putz) Kania, while attending Illinois Benedictine College. Fran and Connie were married on May 29, 1988, and together built a life centered on family, love, and shared passions. Fran was a devoted and loving husband, and their partnership was an example to many of what it means to be a true team, always side by side, supporting one another. They shared a love of music, enjoyed attending concerts together, and treasured time with family and friends. Together, they raised three children in a home filled with love. Fran loved being a father and took great joy in guiding, supporting, and celebrating his children. Fran was a beloved father to Sarah (Joe) Petrancosta, Leah (Matt Maksymec) Kania, and Daniel Kania. He was an adored grandfather, cherished as "Pa" by Nathan and Madison Petrancosta.
Fran was born on September 20, 1960, to the late Francis and Tecla Kwak. He was a loving brother to Charlene (Jim) McCarthy, Christine (Glenn) Pacek, Alan (Laura) Kwak, Carl (Karen) Kwak, Steven (Kristine) Kwak, Celeste (Joe) Gaither, Gary (Ingrid) Kwak, Kevin (engaged to Erin) Kwak, Colette (Dave) Nelson, Charmaine (John) Thompson, Camille (Jeremy) Burns, Christopher (Michela) Kwak, Jonathan (Kim) Kwak, and the late Adam Kwak. He was a loving brother-in-law to Ken (Mary) Marshall, Kris (Jeff) Vann, Rosanne (late Frank) Linden, Patti (Mark) Jensen, and Mike (Patty) Vanhal. He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Norbert and Cecilia Putz, and sister-in-law Stacy Kwak. Fran was a loving nephew to Bernadette (James) Hogan, Grace (late Phil) Orzech, and the late Richard (Mary) Kwak. He was a loving uncle and cousin to many.
Fran graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1978. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Illinois Benedictine College (IBC) in 1982 and received his doctorate from the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1988. He completed his residency at Loretto Hospital.
Fran practiced as a podiatrist for 36 years and truly loved his profession. He cared deeply for his patients, serving the Westchester and La Grange Park communities and the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. His work as a podiatrist left a lasting impact on his countless patients. Fran lived a life devoted to service and was the definition of someone who would give the shirt off his back to help anyone in need. While raising his children, Fran volunteered many hours as a Destination Imagination coach, as a timer and judge for the Lombard Waves Swim Team, and with the Boy Scouts. He was a dedicated blood donor, making more than 75 donations to help save lives.
After being unexpectedly diagnosed with glioblastoma, Fran faced his illness with courage and conviction. Guided by his passion for science and lifelong desire to help others, he chose to participate in the Sonocloud-9 clinical trial at Northwestern Medicine. His selflessness continued beyond his life through his decision to donate his brain to Northwestern Medicine for glioblastoma research. This final act reflects who Fran was as a devoted physician, a scientist at heart, and above all, a man committed to helping others.
Fran was a loyal and devoted friend to many, with friendships that became family through his unwavering kindness, generosity, and care. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched as a physician, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend, and through the research that will carry his story forward.
Fran was a man of many interests and hobbies. He was a true music enthusiast with some favorites including Grateful Dead, Mr. Blotto, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and The Rolling Stones. He loved live music and attended hundreds of concerts throughout his lifetime. Fran was an avid photographer, capturing photos for yearbook, weddings, and countless moments of family and friends. He also enjoyed camping, skiing, golfing, bowling, playing craps, hydroponic gardening, visiting the shooting range, and tackling endless home projects-for both his home and the homes of many others. Fran's "happy place" was Door County, Wisconsin, where he vacationed annually with his family.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 15, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Steuerle Chapel (15 W. Park Blvd., Villa Park, IL). The family welcomes attendees to celebrate Fran's love of music by wearing concert t-shirts or tie-dye to the Thursday visitation. Visitation will continue on Friday, January 16, from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Alexander Catholic Church (300 S. Cornell Ave., Villa Park, IL). The Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Francis Kania to the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Patient and Family Assistance Fund, which supports patients and families affected by brain and spinal cord tumors at Northwestern Medicine. Donations may be made online or mailed to:
Northwestern Memorial Foundation
PO Box 734985
Chicago, Illinois 60673
Please make checks payable to Northwestern Memorial Foundation and include "MBTI" and "In memory of Francis Kania" in the memo line.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate medical teams at Northwestern Medicine, Advocate Health Care, and St. Croix Hospice for their dedication and kindness shown to Fran and our family.