Search by Name
Search by Name
Frederick August Krehbiel, Former CEO & Co-Chairman of Molex Inc., Dies at 80 Frederick August Krehbiel, former CEO and Co-Chairman of Molex Inc. passed away peacefully, with his two sons by his side, at Hinsdale Hospital on June 3, 2021 after a brief illness. He was 80. Fred was born on June 2, 1941 near Downers Grove, Illinois to Margaret (Veeck) and John Krehbiel. As a boy, Fred struggled with dyslexia before it was widely understood. With the help of his teachers at Avery Coonley School, who recognized that he learned differently, he overcame this challenge and developed a life-long passion for reading and learning. Fred's hero as a child was his uncle Bill Veeck, who at various times owned the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Indians and the St. Louis Browns. Fred spent many summers with Bill's family at the ballpark and at their homes in Maryland and New Mexico. Bill helped Fred to develop a can-do attitude, a creative spirit and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Fred went on to graduate from Downers Grove North High School in 1959 and Lake Forest College in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in political science. In 1965, Fred joined Molex, a manufacturer of electronic interconnecting products that was founded by his grandfather. Two years later, in response to inquiries from overseas companies looking to purchase connectors, Fred's father, who was then at the helm of Molex, asked him to start an international division. In its first year, Molex International generated $54,000 in revenue. Over the next four decades, Molex's international operations grew to over $2 billion in revenue. Molex was one of the first US companies to establish a presence in Japan, and subsequently expanded to Mexico, South America, Europe, China and Southeast Asia. After serving as president of Molex International for much of the 1970s and 1980s, he became CEO in 1988 and subsequently co-chairman along with his brother, John, until Molex was sold to Koch Industries in 2013. In addition to his career at Molex, Fred founded Ballyfin, an award-winning hotel in Ireland; co-owned MT Sobek, a leading adventure travel company; and owned the sailboat, Insatiable, which won the 1989 Chicago to Mackinac Race and represented the United States at the 1987 Admiral's Cup Regatta. Fred was an active civic leader who served on the boards of The Northern Trust Company; Tellabs, Inc.; DeVry, Inc.; W.W. Grainger; Nalco Chemical Company; the Chicago White Sox; the Chicago Zoological Society; Rush University Medical Center; the Art Institute of Chicago; the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; the Chicago Lyric Opera; the Chicago History Museum; the World Wildlife Fund; the Hinsdale Community House; the Museum of Science and Industry; The Foundation Board of Trinity College Dublin; The Taft School; Lake Forest College; and Avery Coonley School. Fred is remembered for his integrity, work ethic, sense of humor, creativity, positive attitude, humility, generosity, and his love of travel and Irish art. He was happiest when reading a good biography, playing with his grandchildren, working on his photo albums, or planning the next big adventure with family and friends. Fred is survived by his wife, Kay; his two sons, Liam (Karen) and Jay (Silvia); five grandchildren, Jack, Morgan, Anthea, August and Adele; his brother, John; and many loving nieces and nephews. For those who wish to make a memorial gift, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to support the Lung Cancer Research Fund at Rush University Medical Center. Contributions can be directed to Rush Office of Philanthropy, 28057 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1280 or http://rush.convio.net/FKrehbiel. Funeral services have been held. Arrangements by Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale, 630-703-9131 or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Daily Herald.
Quite simply the best and most inspirational business leader I ever had the privilege to meet. Fred had the rare knack of quickly winning the confidence and loyalty of every employee that met him.
William Wilson (known then as Bill)
Work
October 14, 2023
We met Fred at Ballyfin when we were told that someone from Chicago was there. I am from Ireland as his wife. It turned out to be him and also that we were neighbors in Hinsdale, what a coincidence!. He was such a lovely man, humble as can be. We had a long talk about his health, his family and how he met Kay. We were very sorry to hear that he passed away, such a loss to all those who loved and respected him.
Brigid and Jim McCormick
June 11, 2022
Fred was one of the nicest and most sincere gentlemen, that I had the pleasure of bringing him from Shannon Airport to Tralee. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis agus uasal. Aidan (Chauffeur with Karl King Executive Travel)
Aidan White
June 2, 2022
Deepest sympathy to the Krehbiel family. Fred was a good friend from our days at Lake Forest College. He was such a great guy.
Ann Holmgren Elias
Friend
August 31, 2021
deepest sympathy to the krehbiel family on freds death
the amazing gentle person whom I hold in high regard I spent a year at churchill taking pics for his book
Michael [email protected]
July 16, 2021
deepest heartfelt sympathy to kay and family
michael diggin
Work
June 29, 2021
Warren Linden, Alpharetta, GA
June 24, 2021
Dear Kay and Family,
I was very sorry to learn of Fred's passing. Although we have not seen each other for a very long time, I remember Fred well. We served together in the 928th TCG, Air Force Reserve unit at O'Hare. He was always a delight to be around and we enjoyed getting out and about when we had out of town summer encampments. Your family may enjoy seeing a photo of our little group taken in March, 1969.
Warren Linden
Warren Linden
Friend
June 23, 2021
Fred was one of the most generous, kind, caring persons I’ve ever met. I had the pleasure of serving Fred and Kay at Topaz for several years. They say god only takes the good ones. In this case it is very true. Ha will always be remembered in a very special way to me. My deepest condolences. Cindy Vales
Cindy Vales
Friend
June 20, 2021
Fred Krehbiel
A Gentleman in every way.
Stephen Salny
Acquaintance
June 18, 2021
Fred Krehbiel
A Gentleman in every way.
Stephen Salny
Acquaintance
June 18, 2021
Kay, it was with great sorrow that we heard of Fred's passing, only two days ago.
As you know I did some work for you, at Churchill, and elsewhere, and I can only say what an interesting and courteous person Fred was. He seems to have had an interest in everything across the Universe, and although he had a great many achievements to be proud of, still treated everyone equally, and in a modest manner.
Please accept our deepest sympathy with you, and also with your Family.
Hugh and Jean Campbell, Kerries East, Tralee
June 17, 2021
Dear Kay and Family,
I am terribly saddened to learn
that your dear Fred passed .
Anything that I can say or do at
a time like this will be of little comfort .
I like to remember all the happy
times we had together in Chicago and Palm Beach.
Fred was so proud of your many fine accomplishments .
You and your entire family have
my deepest and sincerest sympathy .
Love,
Liz Stiffel
Lisbeth stiffel
Friend
June 14, 2021
Fred was my special friend starting whenI was in high school. He was always part of my life. My two weddings party's his first in a small apt. In Chicago. When I gave him a hug at our 60th reunion he felt like he had come full circle. I have so many memories and I cherish all of them. I am so blessed to have him in life. He has a special place in my heart rest in peace Linda the class 1959
Linda Sswannson
Friend
June 12, 2021
Kathleen and all the family. Very sorry to hear of Fred´s passing. Will keep you all in my prayers and thoughts during this sad time. May Fred RIP.
Mary Nolan, Lisselton,Co.Kerry and Trim, Co MeathTrim,
Friend
June 12, 2021
Dear Kay and Family ,
I am terribly saddened to learn
that your dear Fred passed ,
Anything that I can say or do at
a time like this will be of little
comfort , He was so proud of
your many fine accomplishments. I like to remember all of the happy times we had together , in Chicago, and Palm Beach .
You and your entire family have
my sincerest and deepest sympathy. Love, Liz Stiffel
Lisbeth Stiffel
Friend
June 11, 2021
Sincere sympathy to Mrs. Krehbiel and Family on the sad passing of Fred. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis agus uasal, Aidan White (former driver with Karl King.)
Aidan White
Acquaintance
June 11, 2021
Patrícia and I are so sad to hear about the death of Fred and offer our deepest sympathy to Kay and all of Fred´s family. He was a wonderful person who helped me in my career in Molex and was wonderful company. His passing will be mourned by so many with whom he met. RIP
Eamon McAleavey
Work
June 10, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Benny Mcelligott Hayes Ballyduff Tralee Co Kerry
June 10, 2021
A true gentleman, who achieved so much, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
DAVID J GRIFFIN
June 10, 2021
An outstanding man whose vision and leadership has created opportunities and career paths for a lot of employees in the Far East region where I worked. I myself am one of them. He will never be forgotten and will be missed. My condolences to the Krehbiel family. May he rest in peace.
Frank Tan
Work
June 8, 2021
A truly outstanding man has left us. Words can not describe him. Certainly one of a kind. He did a lot for me and I will never forget it. RIP Fred. You will be missed.
Bill Creed
Work
June 8, 2021
Neil Lefort
June 8, 2021
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Funeral services provided by:
Powell Funeral Directors - Hinsdale5706 Foxgate Lane (office location) P.O. Box 277 (mailing address), Hinsdale, IL 60521
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more