Klaus A. Speckan

Klaus A. Speckan, 91, peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2022 in Huntley, IL. He was born September 12, 1930 in Deutsch-Rasselwitz, Silesia, Germany to Georg Speckan and Katharina Schunert. Klaus’ younger years were spent in Germany, he experienced first-hand the plights of World War II. After the war ended and he was old enough, his family encouraged him to find a job so he could help raise money for his family. He decided to be a chef. His internship started in 1948 and was completed in 1951. Upon completing his internship Klaus traveled to several countries to find work in the restaurant industry including Germany, Switzerland, Canada and Bermuda, before immigrating to the United States in 1961. Klaus’ life here started in the Chicago area and he ended up calling it his home for the rest of his life. He met the love of his life, Karin Wilhelm, in 1963 through a blind date that was arranged by a delivery driver that knew both Klaus and Karin were from Germany. Klaus and Karin’s hometowns in the Silesia region of Germany were only miles apart, so they knew it was fate that they should be together. Klaus and Karin were married on October 17, 1964, and they raised their family starting in Northbrook for 8 years, then in Vernon Hills, which he called home for 37 years, and lastly living 13 years in Huntley to enjoy retirement. He was a chef at various restaurants in the Chicago area but would retire as the head chef of the Convent of the Holy Spirit after fifteen years in Techny. Klaus was an avid stamp collector, passionate soccer fan and loved playing the Skat card game with his good friends. He is survived by his wife Karin; three sons, Mark (Holly), Eric (Sheri), and Michael (Rachel) Speckan; sister, Helga (Klaus) Hohne; six grandchildren, Katie (Matt) Baier, Kelli (Sergio Lozano), Zachary, Annabelle, Emerson and Lilian, and 2 great grandchildren, Tyler and Lane and one more great grandchild on the way. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at St. Mary of Vernon Catholic Church, 236 US-45, Indian Creek, IL 60061. Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville. Arrangements by Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, For Info: (847) 362-3009 or please share a memory at www.burnettdane.com In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Klaus’ honor to Meals on Wheel of Chicago (https://www.mealsonwheelschicago.org/). Klaus had a life-long passion for food and this organization helps provide food to seniors and individuals with disabilities who benefit from nutritious meal programs that improve their quality of life and maximize independence.

Klaus A. Speckan

September 12, 1930 - June 29, 2022