Carl H. DeBroux

Carl H. DeBroux, 82, of North Aurora, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his home. He was born June 27, 1935 in Kaukauna, WI. Carl DeBroux was a good man, beloved by many. He was a kind, loving and humble man who made the most out of his life. Carl was also one of those special people who helped others become more. Carl was the sixth child of fourteen, in a house hold filled with love. But not always filled with food. So Carl learned early to have a hunger for life. Growing up he had many responsibilities, including delaying his high school graduation to work in the paper mill. He did this with his brother Mel to help support his large family. He carried that work ethic throughout his life. In 1951, at an ice skating rink, Carl DeBroux met Janice Pendleton. They married on November 23rd, 1957, and enjoyed 59 years of marriage. Carl and Jan enjoyed the love, challenges and the ups and downs that naturally occur with over 6 decades together. Their early years of marriage took place in Fukuoka, Japan, where Carl worked as an air traffic controller with the Air Force. While in Fukuoka, Carl was instrumental in creating an orphanage for the deaf children of Fukuoka. Carl was an honored guest at the governor's thank you dinner. When Carl and Jan returned to the states, they began their family and settled in North Aurora. Carl and Jan spent the next 55 years building a home and presence in the community. Although Carl worked at the Aurora Air Traffic Control Center, his true purpose in life was to team with others to improve situations he believed could be better. Carl was influential in forming PATCO which improved the working conditions of the air traffic controllers. Carl was also a long standing member of the Lions Club. He also spent time working on the North Aurora Library and Fire Boards. Later Carl pursued his Juris doctorate and had a very successful career as a lawyer, including, successfully litigating a case in front of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1985. He did this on behalf of several air traffic controllers. Carl was also very active at Blessed Sacrament Church. Although Carl was committed to the Church, to the community and to work, his greatest passions were to his family and to his friends. Carl was an extraordinary father to Tom and Melissa and a loving grandfather to his six grandchildren. He never missed a game or recital. He always made sure he was there. He enjoyed fishing in Canada and Wisconsin with family and friends, where he was usually the first to get a pole in the water and the last to pull his line in. He also enjoyed golfing with his close friends, Ray and Lee. Carl gave gifts large and small, from many instances of working pro bono to working on the homes of his family and friends. He never hesitated to lend a hand to a neighbor or friend. Carl DeBroux's life was an exceptional gift; he made a positive impact on many lives and to state it simply he was a good man. Carl is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jan (Pendleton) DeBroux; two children, Thomas (Susan) DeBroux and Melissa(John) Held; six grandchildren: Alison VanHorn, Samuel DeBroux, Emily, Elizabeth, Maxwell and Alexander Held; nine siblings: Mel DeBroux, Norm DeBroux, Len DeBroux, Molly Fink, Lee (Diana) DeBroux, Reg (Jean) DeBroux, Sharon (Jim) Lettau, Ron (Carol) DeBroux, Char (Adam) Berg and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother in-laws: Mike (Barb) Pendleton, Robert (Jean) Pendleton and Jon (Sheryl) Pendleton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Gertrude (Diedrich) DeBroux and four siblings: Bill DeBroux, Laverne Forster, Ione Burton and Donny DeBroux (in infancy). Our family would also like to extend our love and appreciation to Carl’s home care professionals: Marcin, Vickie, Lisa, Nikky and Cecilia. The comfort you have extended to Carl and our family will be remembered forever. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to Blessed Sacrament Church at 10:30 AM; Fr. Max Lasrado will officiate. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Monday, July 31, 2017 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Liturgical Wake Service at 2:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 North Lake Street Aurora, Illinois 60506. Visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for Carl’s family.

Carl H. DeBroux

June 27, 1935 - July 25, 2017