Maurice A. Vanden Eykel

Maurice “Maury” A. Vanden Eykel, a retired American Airlines Captain, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026 at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL.

Maury was born in Pipestone, MN on December 25, 1946 to Wilma Jean and Martin Dahlberg Vanden Eykel, also a retired American Airlines Captain.

Maury is survived by his beloved wife of almost 45 years, Ginny, his brother Ike and Cathy Vanden Eykel, his sister Marcia Vanden Eykel, and his devoted children, Jennifer Vanden Eykel (Susan) and Maury Vanden Eykel.

Maury was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Martin Vanden Eykel II, and his daughter Christin Vanden Eykel. Maury was the adoring Grandpa Van of Daniel Gormley and Papa Van of Hailey, Gracie, and Joshua Uhre.

Maury served his country with honor flying helicopters in the Vietnam War with the United States Army. After his military service, Maury flew for American Airlines from 1973 to 2006 and retired as a Captain on the 777. Maury’s greatest gift from American Airlines was meeting the lovely flight attendant that would become his wife.

Maury was a longtime member of Biltmore Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds with lifelong friends and was an original member of the Biltmore Bandits. Maury thoroughly enjoyed golf, cocktails, and cigars with new and old friends in Scottsdale. Though The Pilot’s final round has been played, his time spent with his friends and family was his greatest joy.

Maury’s life was tragically cut short after a brief battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Maury was passionate about veteran organizations and animal charities and any donation to a charity of your choice would make him proud. We know he is now surrounded by all of his life's pets with Daisy back on his lap.

Fly high Captain Vanden Eykel, your legacy lives on in the family and friends you cherished.

Visitation will be Friday May 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to time of Funeral at 11 a.m. all at Presbyterian Church of Barrington, 6 Brinker Road, Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Reception to Follow Funeral Service at Biltmore Country Club, 160 Biltmore Drive, North Barrington, IL 60010