Joseph Pintz

Joseph Pintz, age 87, of Park Ridge, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at The Grove of Northbrook in Northbrook, IL. He was born March 21, 1937 to parents Josef and Anna Pintz (nee Gaertner) in Kernei, Yugoslavia.
He is preceded in death and reunited in paradise with his father Josef, his mother Anna, and his eldest grandson, Matthew Hamilton, with whom he shared a special bond.
He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty years, Maria Pintz (nee Koestler), daughters Elizabeth (Todd) Hamilton, Christine (Ron) Flood, and sons Joseph (Kristen Martincic) Pintz, and Peter (Heather) Pintz.
He leaves behind his brother Jakob (Edith) Pintz, his sister Christine (Helmut) Aufleger, five grandchildren (Jessica, Lukas, Kevin, Andrew, Nico) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Yugoslavia in 1937, Joseph's early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II. His childhood was spent navigating the challenges of wartime and its aftermath. Driven by a desire to seek a better future, Joseph immigrated to the United States in 1955 with his parents and siblings, settling in Chicago, IL. There, he became part of a vibrant community of fellow German (Danube-Swabian) immigrants who became like family to him.
In Chicago, Joseph met his future wife, Maria. They were married on October 16, 1965. In 1979, they moved to Park Ridge, IL where they raised their four children. Joseph worked as a union painter and, alongside his brother Jakob, co-owned an apartment building. His dedication to providing for his family was unwavering, and he always worked hard to offer them the opportunities he did not have in his own childhood.
Joseph had a deep passion for soccer, both as a player and a coach. He spent countless hours coaching his children's house league teams, sharing his love of the game and the joy of teamwork. His loyalty to the German national soccer team was apparent, and there were many family get-togethers to cheer on Deutschland in the World Cup.
An artist at heart, Joseph's talent for painting was evident in his home, where the walls were filled with his works, including his beautiful Rosemaling pieces. His creativity was an expression of his deep love for life, family, and culture.
In his retirement, Joseph reconnected with his roots, working alongside his brother and cousin to trace their family's genealogy in Europe. This journey helped him remain grounded in the heritage that shaped him.
Joseph will be remembered for his dedication to family, his artistic gifts, as well as his commitment to preserving his cultural heritage by passing it on to his children and grandchildren. Those who knew him well knew he had a good sense of humor and hearty laugh. He generously shared his love of homemade food with others in his charming home, surrounded by his bountiful gardens. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
A private visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Irene Catholic Church followed by a mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Warrenville Cemetery in Warrenville, Illinois.
Family and friends may sign a guestbook at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.
Memorials may be given to the donor's choice.