Paul Edmund Fitzpatrick

Paul Edmund Fitzpatrick, age 91, formerly of Elizabeth, IL, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, at Stonehill Communities Memory Care in Dubuque, IA.

Paul was born to Francis and Helen (Vogel) Fitzpatrick on November 15, 1933 in Oak Park, IL. After the early passing of his mother, Paul was lovingly raised by his Aunt Anne (Vogel) and Uncle Ross Minnegan, who helped shape his generous heart and enduring sense of humor. He grew to be a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and unwavering devotion to his family. His presence brought comfort, his stories brought laughter, and his example left a legacy of integrity and kindness.

Following service in the Army after the Korean War, Paul earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Illinois-Champaign/Urbana. It was during this time his cousin, Jane, introduced him to Mary Kay Kauth, and their love story began. The two were married in 1959. Together, they shared a life grounded in faith, devoted to family, and committed to serving others.

His professional career with the Department of Agriculture lead him to be named County Executive Director of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for Cook County and later Jo Daviess county. He and Mary Kay eventually settled in Elizabeth, IL, where they raised their five children and became deeply involved in the community and church. Both Mary Kay and Paul were active volunteers for various organizations and events such as Elizabeth Community Fair, Farm Bureau, 4-H, Archdiocese of Rockford, Lions Club, Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce, poll workers for Woodbine Township, as well as supporting their children’s many events and activities at school and church. He served on the Jo Carroll Area Vocational Center Board of Control for 4 years, and the Elizabeth School Board for 15 years, holding the position of President for most of his tenure.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Kay; his parents; and siblings, Mary Ellen, John, James, Thomas, and Michael.

He is survived by his children, Bridgid (Tim) Hoffman, Christopher (Frederic Ochave), Greg (Colleen), Jeff (Judy), and Mary Eileen (Wes) Hargrove. Paul was blessed with 11 grandchildren, Kurt (Rachael) Krohmer, Kate Krohmer, Michael (Beth) Fitzpatrick, John (Alyssa) Fitzpatrick, Steven (Becca) Fitzpatrick, Megan (Jonathan) Nerdig, Melissa (Levi) Jones, Marcus (Anna Badtke) Fitzpatrick, Cory (Sam) Hargrove, Paige (Kyle) Wilton, and Gabbi Hargrove; 13 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, beginning at 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 112 E Washington, Elizabeth, IL. The Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11AM. Paul will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Elizabeth, IL, with funeral arrangements by Law-Jones Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests honorariums be made in Paul’s honor to: American Cancer Society ( https://donate.cancer.org ), or St. Vincent DePaul Society, ℅ St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 318 Chicago Avenue, Savanna, IL 61074

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Prairie Ridge of Galena, Midwest Medical Center, and Stonehill Communities for the exceptional care and kindness given to Paul.