Dr. Krzysztof Z. "Kris" Pupek

Dr. Krzysztof Z. Pupek (Kris to all of us), passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home in Plainfield, IL. Kris was born in Poland on March 16, 1959, the son of the late Franciszek and Irena (nee Glegolska) Pupek. He was born and raised in Warsaw, Poland and was a graduate of Maria Sklodowska Curie High School in Warsaw.

Kris furthered his education and received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Technical University in Warsaw and his PhD in Organic Chemistry form Institute of Organic Chemistry at the Polish Academy of Sciences. Following his doctorate, he accumulated more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemicals, focusing on process development and scale-up. Dr. Pupek has co-authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and holds more than 20 issued patents.

Since 2010, Dr. Pupek worked at Argonne National Laboratory, where he started as Principal Process R&D Chemist. Since 2018, Kris led the Process R&D and Scale-up group of over 20 scientists and engineers in the Applied Materials Division. His leadership, work, dedication, highly technical expertise, and contributions helped shape the MERF (Materials Engineering Research Facility).

Outside work, Kris enjoyed photography. He took lots of pictures and had lots of memories of a good life, wherever his life took him. Kris also enjoyed gardening, cooking at his organized gatherings, his perfectly cooked BBQ, fishing, and camping in the forest. He was looking forward to retirement and was dreaming of a peaceful life. Maybe a nomadic lifestyle, if health was good, with possible traveling around US in an RV or maybe moving back to Europe. We had so many options…but who knew that we had limited time.

Kris is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Georgeta Hategan along with his step-daughter, Alexandra Hategan; his daughter, Agata (Jason) Carpenter; grandchildren, Courtney, Robert, and Drake Carpenter; his ex-wife, Jolanta Stelegowska-Pupek; his brother, Andrzej Jaroski; and his nephew, Piotrek Jaroski.

The passing of Kris has been an immense loss for everyone who knew him…family, friends, and colleagues. Beyond his professional achievements, Kris will be remembered for his generosity, curiosity, kindness, and sincere friendship. He had a way of bringing insight, humor and sincerity to every conversation. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. But his spirit and impact will endure in the lives he changed and the work he set in motion.

Rest in peace Kris. You are deeply missed and forever remembered.

My dear Kris,
You were not just my other part,
You were the map inside my heart.
Now I must walk this road alone.

I don't have answers.
Only the truth:
I love you
I miss you.
And I'm still trying
To find myself again
In the quiet space where we once were.
Love always,
Geta

Visitation for Krzysztof Z. Pupek will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL and on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service taking place at 12:00 noon.

As it was his request, cremation rites will be accorded following services and ashes burial taking place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10 :00 a.m. at Saint Michael Cemetery in Aurora.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be distributed to organizations as they wish.

For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.