Kurt R. Jachs, age 92, passed away peacefully at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Born in Innsbruck, Austria, Kurt moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina in his youth. There he met and married his wife Katty, after which they emigrated to the U.S. in the 1960's, first landing in the Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago, IL and ultimately settling in Palatine, IL.

With a little bit of English, two suitcases and a few bucks in his wallet, he managed to build an enviable life with a family and a successful small business. He made quite a name for himself in the tool & die trade, specializing in complicated work few others (if any) could manage. He was the guy you went to when everyone else said it couldn't be done.

He loved his family, golf, animals, Katty's cooking, nature and thunderstorms. He was a big softie that hid behind a tough exterior. And he was funny.

He was nothing if not a perfectionist who valued hard work, integrity, and character. He was a man of few words, but what he said was always meaningful. "You never have to be ashamed of doing your best," he would say. And the absolute best is what he was to his family.

His loss creates an unfillable void. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Katty (Lulic) Jachs and his daughters, Sandra Jachs (m. Patrick Smith) and Sonja Jachs.

A private memorial service will be held for the family at a later date.