Albert H. Sigmund

Albert Harold Sigmund, 98, of Crystal Lake, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born in Chicago on October 7, 1927, to Louis and Louise (Moser) Sigmund.

Al graduated from Lane Tech High School and went straight into the Army Air Force, serving at the tail end of World War II and the beginning of the Korean War. He spent time in Japan as part of the occupational forces.

After his discharge, he attended Northern Illinois University, where he met his future wife, Carolyn Kraus. They married on June 28, 1952, and shared over 70 wonderful years together until Carolyn’s passing in October 2022.

Al worked as a high school science teacher before spending most of his career as a chemist with American Can Company and Morton Salt in Woodstock. After retiring in his early sixties, Al and Carolyn enjoyed traveling, Hawaii being a favorite destination, and spending as much time as possible with their growing family.

He lived life to the fullest right up to the end, remaining in the home where he and Carolyn raised their family. Al was always busy and never one to sit still. He could often be found working on cars or home projects, helping his kids, or enjoying time on the water. He loved water-skiing and played softball, volleyball, bowling, and tennis well into his later years. Known for his humor and gentle spirit, Al was delightfully goofy with his grandkids and brought joy wherever he went. He was devoted to his family, loved eating out (especially breakfast), and was famous for taking “a little coffee with his cream and sugar.”

He is survived by his children, Dave (Patricia), Larry (Jean Ann), Gregg (Jeanne), Nancy (Thom) Palmer, and Laura (Dan) Birr; grandchildren, Mike (Kemery), Mandy (John) Peterson, Nick (Angela), Shana (Matt) Hayes, Jake, Chris (Sonja), Danny (Shannon), Liz (Jon) Womble, Jessica (Bobby) Clancy, Brittany (Tobin) Davies, Ryan Palmer, Melissa (Josh) Cole, and Freddie (Gaby) Birr; great-grandchildren, Riley, Benjamin, Josie, Kai, Marley, Eloise, Eileen, Barrett, Myles, Graham, Connor, Charlotte, Caroline, Georgia, Archer, August, and another great granddaughter due in December; and niece and nephews, Keith, Kenneth, Craig (Yuko) Kraus, and Karen (Jim) Rohder; and special caregiver, Hilda Nkhuwa.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn, and his son, Wayne.

A visitation will be held Monday, November 3, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. Burial will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials to St. Jude or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.