Frank John Cools Jr.

Frank J. Cools of Barrington Hills passed away on Saturday September 4, 2021 at the age of 94.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helgi, and is survived by his devoted daughters, Linda Cools and Dr. Pamela Cools.

Frank was born the last of four brothers and grew up during the Depression in the humblest of circumstances in DuPage County.  He attended Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn where he excelled in track and speed skating.  He joined the Army shortly after the end of World War II, and spent four and a half years in service of his country, both in Europe and stateside.  It was in Germany that he met and married his wife, Helgi in 1947.  It was Helgi that motivated Frank to pursue a college degree and changed the course of both their lives.

He was first enrolled at the University of Illinois at the Navy Pier campus, and then in Urbana-Champaign, graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy after just three years.  He was immediately hired by Illinois Bell and spent his entire 34 year career with the Bell System, including a stint with AT&T at their New York City headquarters.  As an executive, he especially enjoyed his time in the Financial Forecasting and Comptrollers departments.

He and his wife raised their family in Park Ridge.  Frank and Helgi were married for 50 years until her death from cancer in 1998.

Shortly thereafter, he and his girls decided to relocate to Barrington Hills and build a new home there.  Frank was enthralled by the natural surroundings and tranquility of his new home.  He relished driving his John Deere tractor, whether cutting grass or plowing snow, and enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio each evening at the pond, while sharing Gouda cheese with Caesar, the family’s German Shepherd.

Frank was a true representative of the Greatest Generation and will be greatly missed by all who he touched with his quiet grace.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to German Shepherd Rescue Inc. of Skokie, Illinois from which his family adopted two wonderful dogs.