Franz Pintz Obituary

Franz Pintz, 95, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, surrounded by family, after a brief bout of pneumonia.

Franz was the founder of Franz Jewelers, a staple in Northbrook since 1966. His family often joked he lived the equivalent of nine lives during his 95 years.

At age 17 he fled his idyllic German village located in Yugoslavia to escape from an advancing Russian army. Back in his homeland of Germany, he learned his trade as an exquisite watchmaker while setting his sights on coming to America.

He arrived in Chicago in 1956 with his worldly possessions packed in an overseas trunk and $100 in his pocket. Working long hours at a watchmaker's bench during the week and playing accordion with his bandmates at weddings and dances on the weekends, he was able to achieve his American dream of opening his own jewelry store within ten years. Franz, along with his wife, settled in Northbrook where they raised their three children.

As an active member of Rotary, as well as a recipient of the distinguished Paul Harris award, this local businessman sponsored many baseball, softball, and hockey teams in the community through the years. His business also stepped into host the long-standing July 4th "Pancakes in the Park" when its funding was in danger. For many years Franz, alongside his son and business partner, enjoyed flipping pancakes and handing out balloons with his grandchildren at this patriotic community festival.

Later I life, Franz settled in Lake Bluff with his second wife where they enjoyed visiting with grandchildren, sipping Donausonne wine and enjoyed "retirement" even though Franz continued coming to the jewelry store one day a week.

Franz is survived by his beloved wife, loving children and cherished grandchildren who believe 95 years was just not enough time with their husband, father and Opa.

Because Franz contributed to a wide variety of organizations in the community, the family asks you to choose the charity of your choice in honor of Franz should you wish to do so.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 18 from 9:15am until time of the Mass at 10 am at St. Norbert Church, 1809 Walters Ave., Northbrook.