John E. Henrici

On Wednesday, May 31st, 2023, Jack Henrici passed away peacefully at the hospital due to natural causes, with his wife Maryileen by his side. He was born in August 1938, the ninth of ten children to Viola (Staak) and Nicholas Henrici. Jack had a fulfilling life, marked by his roles as a loving husband, amazing father, exceptional grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many.
After graduating from Niles Township High School in Skokie IL, Jack served in the National Guard for three years. For a short period, he worked as a printer until he found his true calling as a firefighter. In 1960, he began his firefighting career with the Skokie, IL Fire Department and later joined the Elk Grove Village Fire Department in 1966 as one of the original six paid professional firefighters. Jack's dedication, skills and leadership led him to rise through the ranks. He achieved remarkable advancements, rising from Lieutenant in 1967 to Captain in 1971, and ultimately becoming Chief of the Department in 1976.
In 1981 Jack joined the National Fire Administration/FEMA and then in 1986 took on the role of Chief in the Elgin Fire Department in Elgin, Illinois. He initially retired in 2003 from Elgin and continued his involvement in the fire services field as a consultant. During this time, he also served as the interim Fire Chief of Homewood, IL. He was asked to return to Elgin as Chief in 2007, he stayed until 2010, accumulating a total of 50 years of service in the fire department.
Jack achieved numerous accomplishments during his career. He played a significant role in the development of the mutual aid box alarm system (MABAS) and the implementation of the paramedic program. Jack's passion for the fire service extended to the specification process of new apparatus, commercial and industrial building preplanning, the construction of new stations, and the modernization of the fire service as a whole. He was an ace on the fire ground as well as a true leader in all aspects of the fire service, overseeing the rapid growth of the Elk Grove Village Fire Department and contributing to Elgin's renaissance during the late '80s and '90s.
Jack's leadership extended beyond his local department, as he held positions such as President of the Great Lakes Fire Chief Association and served on the Board of the International Fire Chiefs. Jack excelled in incident management, serving as the incident commander during the American Airlines crash (Flight 191) in 1979. Jesus needed a new Chief and called Jack home for his new role.
In his personal life, Jack married Georgann Henry in December 1957, they raised three children together during their 22-year marriage in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. In the next chapter of his life, Jack married the love of his life and soulmate, Maryileen McMahon. They married in October of 1982 and enjoyed 40 years of marriage together until his death. Their family consisted of seven children. Jack's children include Craig (Tammy) Henrici, Rae (Todd) Eighenhauser, and Courtney (Kevin) Mathews. Maryileen's children include Robert (Maria) Heard, Jamey Heard Champer, Kenneth Heard, and Lauren (Sid) Pedersen.
Together Jack and Maryileen lived in Palatine and Elgin Illinois. After retirement they moved to Spring Hill Florida to enjoy the later years of their life in the sunshine state.
Jack was known for his humility, kindness, and generosity. He mentored many individuals and led by example, teaching valuable lessons of compassion and patience through his parenting and leadership. His passing leaves a void in the lives of numerous families and friends who will deeply miss him.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents Viola and Nicholas Henrici and his siblings Betty Lou, Patricia, Nicholas, James Edward, Robert James, Virginia, Audrey, Charles Bernard, and Ronald Henrici.
Jack is survived by his wife of 40 years, seven children, sixteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; Thomas Henrici, Shannon (Trevor) Henrici-Jones, Ryan and Jacquelyn Eighenhauser, Samantha (Devin) Elmore, Quinton (Kari), Blake and Travis Champer, Cameron (Nicole), Trevor (Brittney) and Hailey Heard, Mitch, Carrie and Michael Blanding, Lexi and Landon Pedersen. His eight great grandchildren are Gannon Henrici, Timothy and Mason Elmore, Fennec, and Felix Champer, Frankie LaManna, Tessa Heard and Thaddeus Heard. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews.