Fox Valley Fire & Safety Memorial Page

Videos   |    Literature   |    Memorials


Bert Straugh Bert Straugh
August 24, 1942 – November 4, 2024

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
June 24, 1981 – October 7, 2015

Bert came to Fox Valley Fire later in his working career. Previously, Bert worked as a mover, often joking he was a “mover and a shaker.” Bert was the king of one liners and silly jokes. Perhaps it was one of those jokes that worked when he had the good fortune of meeting his future wife while attending the Annual Founders Day Celebration in Algonquin. That chance meeting with Jan Straugh – former Office Manager, Credit Manager, and an owner, lead to a 30 year marriage until her passing in 2007.

Bert’s moving career ended when he joined the Fox Valley Fire team in 1981 where he assumed custodial duties of the building and pitched in where needed. Working at the same place as your wife has its advantages, he could see her more and make her laugh. The two of them had true love for each other, it was wonderful to witness. When we moved into the 2730 Pinnacle building in 2005, Bert worked part-time as our delivery driver where he got to try out his jokes on unsuspecting technicians…no one laughed harder at his jokes than Bert. Many office staff will remember him “ringing” the sales bell each time he came in to get his route assignment, of course Bert laughed each time. He was kind, full of humor, and generous with his favorite – Country Donuts. Bert retired in 2015.

Bert, Thank you for wearing many hats throughout your many years of service and providing much needed laughter and donuts.

 

Paul Rockwell Paul Rockwell
January 30, 1936 – August 11, 2023

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
September 4, 1980 – February 16, 2001

Paul came to Fox Valley Fire later in his working career. A shoulder injury while working at American Can Company in Geneva forced him to find another line of work. Fortunately for us Paul applied for a job in our new and growing Engineered Systems area of the business. Paul brought his knowledge and professionalism to lead both drafting (CAD) and the Engineered System sales team.

Paul did it all, he assisted in sales when needed, managed the design staff, worked with construction project managers, scheduled and oversaw job installations. Paul was an excellent teacher and resource for our employees. Dan Palmer (retired Engineered Systems Sales) reflected on Paul’s passing by sharing “Paul’s knowledge and expertise helped in many ways for me personally, I wouldn’t be the sales person I was without him” “I couldn’t ask for a better manager and sales partner.”

Most of all Paul was a man of integrity. Each installed system in the field had to be functionally tested and a room integrity test performed to meet code. Paul performed all of these tests himself and you could be sure the system was right when Paul signed off on it, a true professional. Paul’s contributions in his 21 years here was a driving force in our company’s success. Outside of work, Paul was devoted to his family; wife Evelyn, married for 67 years, together they raised two daughters and one son who gave them eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Paul, Thank you for your many years of excellence.

 

Tyler StowersTyler William Stowers
April 20, 1998 – June 20, 2023

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
March 14, 2022 – June 20, 2023

Disbelief is what all of us felt as we learned of Tyler’s sudden death. How can a young healthy man be here one minute and tragically gone the next? Family and friends were in shock, wishing this was a dream and Tyler would walk through the door. We had the same feelings as the news was announced within our company.

Tyler came to Fox Valley Fire through a longtime friend, Tommy McCauley – Shop Technician. Tyler and Tommy both graduated from Belvidere High School. Tyler joined the Shop Tech crew bringing his laughter and easygoing personality. Tyler advanced to become an Extinguisher and Ansul System Service Tech Apprentice making friends with everyone he worked with. He was an easy guy to like, a wonderful person.

Tyler was a proud and dedicated family man, leaving behind his longtime love and their two year old son. Tyler was close with his parents, his three sisters and their families, always bringing Joy, laughter and love. He was referred to as “Funkle” by his nephews. Tyler shared his pastime passion of fishing with family and friends.

Tyler, in your short time working here, you made an impressive impact on others. May there be a fishing hole in heaven where you are reunited with family and friends.

 

Larry HansenLarry Hansen
April 2, 1949 – April 18, 2023

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
May 27, 2003 – October 22, 2019

Larry was a family man, deeply invested with his wife, Peg, and their two children and families. In fact, that’s how Larry came to work for us as a Sprinkler Technician. Larry’s son, Brian Hansen, worked for us for years when he brought his dad on board. Larry had worked as a foreman for Hoffer Plastics for over 26 years when he decided to make the change. Larry wasn’t only going to work with his son, but also his son-in-law, John Nordstorm, and eventually, his granddaughter, Katelyn Hansen. Larry ended his career here after 17 years of service with his official retirement, October 22, 2019.

Early in his life, Larry was a teacher and athletic coach. He coached football, baseball and girls’ basketball at the high school level at St. Edwards High School, Beachwood High School in Georgia (where he took his team all the way to the State playoffs) and Immaculate Conception High School in Elmhurst.

Larry was a proud grandfather to four and so happy with his great-grandson born on December 26, 2021. Larry’s sudden death was a shock to all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family and many friends here at Fox Valley Fire.

Larry, thank you for all of your 17 years of service to our company.

 

Angela MorrisAngela Morris
November 16, 1967 – December 28, 2021

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
September 6, 2001 – December 28, 2021

Angela came to work at Fox Valley Fire through a recommendation from her cousin, Jeanette Volkening. Angela began as a Standard Products Scheduler on September 6, 2001.

Angela moved up in the Accounts Receivable Department becoming an Assistant and then Manager. For the past several years, due to her health, she had served in a more manageable position as our auditor.

Angela was a hard worker full of ambition to make Fox Valley Fire a better place, she demonstrated that every day no matter what her position was. Angela was a woman of great faith and love of her big beautiful extended family. Our heart goes out to each and every one; family, friends and co-workers who will miss her humor, hairstyles and big heart. Gone too soon.

Thank you Angela for all of your contributions in your 20 years of service. You will always be part of the Fox Valley Fire Family.

Angela, may you rest in peace.

 

David SchmidtDavid Schmidt
June 18, 1986 – August 29, 2020

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
December 2, 2019 – August 29, 2020

The untimely passing of David Schmidt at such a young age weighs heavily on all of us. Tomorrow is promised to no one.

Coming from a recommendation in the industry, David joined our engineering team in December of 2019. David held a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University in Economics and had many years’ experience in Fire Alarm System Design. David was just settling into his position and we were getting to know him when we were all sent home on March 20th due to the Pandemic. Since, with so many working from home and limiting office time, we hardly had a chance to interact with him.

David loved the Chicago Cubs and enjoyed the ultimate season of 2016. Another love was his rescue dog named Waylon. David was part of a larger family that mourns his passing. He is survived by his parents, two brothers and their families.

David, thank you for the time you gave to Fox Valley Fire, you will always be a member of our family.

 

Marilyn VichaMarilyn Vicha
August 11, 1951 – October 10, 2019

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
November 24, 2008 – October 10, 2019

Marilyn came to work at Fox Valley Fire through her brother, Chris Bique, who was our Fire Alarm Service Manager at that time. Marilyn started as a Fire Alarm Service Scheduler before moving to General Office Duties. General Office suited Marilyn as she interacted with almost everyone in the office, forming relationships with us. Marilyn was a very conscientious employee that always made sure everything she was responsible for was done, and then offered help to others. She kept the incoming and outgoing mail moving, and all of us with the office supplies we need to do our jobs.

Marilyn had a compassionate heart for others in need. She was a very caring person once you got to know her. She would always worry if one of her co-workers was late, showing concern that something may be wrong. We learned to let her know if we were going to be late or were taking a day off so she wouldn’t worry. Many of us shared the same concern for Marilyn when she stopped working just a few short weeks ago.

Marilyn loved her huge family, she was one of twelve born to her parents. Marilyn raised five children, adored all nine of her grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Marilyn loved to read, devouring paperbacks during her lunch and break time. She also liked to knit and crochet, something her mother taught her. Marilyn handmade scarves for several of her co-workers for Christmas a few year back, leaving something to treasure.

Marilyn, we will treasure our memories of you. Thank you for your devotion to Fox Valley Fire.

 

Rick PelletierRick Pelletier
April 13, 1949 – July 2, 2019

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
April 22, 1985 – July 7, 2010

Rick was hired in 1985 to join the successful Standard Products sales team. Sales back in 1985 were much different than today. No cell phones, personal computers or email. Selling was done face to face at the customer’s location. Appointments set up on land line phone calls. Quotes and contracts typed on a typewriter, hand delivered or snail mailed. The only electronic communication was the pager or “beeper.” This was a time of relationship selling at its finest. Rick had the personality fit for this type of selling. Talkative, charming and always with a joke to break any icy situation. Famously, the first day Rick was out making sales calls on his own, he came back to the office and proudly announced to Ken Volkening (VP of Sales then) “I got two orders today!” Ken was excited and asked what they were. Rick replied “Get out and Stay out!” Rick went on to tell jokes every day as he greatly grew his sales territory and contributed to the overall growth of our company until his retirement in 2010.

Rick, a lifelong Elgin resident, was the proud father of two sons, Nathan and Eric. He was the loving grandfather to two grandsons, Joshua and Jagger, and a granddaughter, Eisley. Rick’s lifelong love of fishing brought much enjoyment in retirement.

Rick, thank you for all you contributed to our company. We picture you telling jokes around the fishing hole in heaven.

 

Carol PetersonCarol J. Peterson
March 1, 1944 – October 17, 2018

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
October 17, 1995 – February 28, 2014

What can be said about this woman who was the heart and soul of Fox Valley Fire? During her career she touched each and every one of our employees. Carol simply made Fox Valley Fire a better place and we are better for having known her.

Carol worked for Fox Valley Fire three different times throughout her career. For about a year, starting in 1964, Carol typed live dictation in her kitchen from our founders (Carol lived next door to the Dale and Lorraine Tatge.) From 1972 to 1974, after Carol’s three children were in school, Carol worked as a Secretary (what we called Administrative Assistants back in the day) at the Highland Avenue location.

1995 brought Carol back to Fox Valley Fire for her third and most significant role. Putting together a telemarketing sales program was her first order of business. Carol almost left in 1996 if it wasn’t for Ken needing someone to fill in for Deb Chin’s maternity leave. Carol found herself in the role of Ken’s assistant for the next four years, while also taking on Human Resource duties. In 2000 Carol became full time HR Manager and upon Jan Straugh’s retirement in 2003, she added Office Manager to her title.

Carol took on many challenges in her tenure; new phone systems, computers, software, interviewing, terminations, personnel squabbles, dress code, training, mentoring, legal matters, company handbook, scheduling, and overseeing an entire company move to our current building in 2005. Carol served as a leader on several committees and her influence on this company is still felt to this day.

Carol fiercely loved her family, raising three children; Sandy Pope Castelvecchi, Dale Pope, and David Pope. Carol adored her five grandchildren; Dina (Ray), Anthony, Dominick, Marina and Jaymin.

Carol, know that you are respected, admired and loved. Thank you for your extraordinary contributions to this company and to so many individuals.

We will miss you dearly.

 

Kathleen JacobsenKathleen Jacobsen
October 23, 1932 – August 23, 2018

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
September 9, 1996 – January 8, 2009

Kathleen joined our Fox Valley Fire family just before her 64th birthday. That’s when most people are contemplating retirement. Kathleen had wonderful energy and a strong desire to work and contribute. She started out in General Office, receiving, distributing and preparing outgoing mail (before email was a thing). Kathleen put her desire to learn new skills to work in billing, becoming a very diligent and respected employee. Kathleen won the Outstanding Support Staff award in 2006. Kathleen’s work ethic and honesty is summed up by the fact that occasionally she wasn’t finished with her daily billings at the end of her eight hours, so she would clock out and stay to finish. She didn’t tell anyone, but when it was discovered, she was compensated and told she wasn’t to work for free. That was just Kathleen’s honesty and belief that a day’s work should equal a day’s pay. Kathleen retired from Fox Valley Fire in 2009 at the age of 76.

Family was the focus for Kathleen and her husband, Ken of 62 years. They raised two sons and have two grown grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Kathleen was born in Lynn, Arkansas which provided that little southern accent that just fit her sweet personality.

Thank you Kathleen for your work ethic and over 12 years of service. You will always be part of the Fox Valley Fire Family.

 

Jan SjursethJanice Eiklor Sjurseth
September 28, 1938 – April 4, 2018

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
July 22, 1974 – July 22, 2013

Jan joined the Fox Valley Fire & Safety family way back in 1974. She served as our Human Resource Benefits/Payroll administrator until her retirement 39 years later, to the day, in 2013. Back in 1974 all of her work was done before the aid of computers or outside payroll services. Jan did it all, keeping meticulous manual records (remember the Rolodex?) and issuing the weekly payroll. Jan’s skills expanded as our company grew and computers aided her ability to process everything for our growing company. Jan was reliable, conscientious, trustworthy, detail driven, and always guarded a fortress of confidential information.

Away from work Jan liked to travel with family. She loved to go new places and was successful in touring 49 states. Jan raised two sons and one daughter. She adored her two grandchildren and enjoyed added time with them in her retirement.

Thank you Jan for your span of work and dedication to the employees of Fox Valley Fire & Safety. You will always be part of our family.

 

Ronald HalversenRonald Halversen
September 6, 1943 – December 19, 2016

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
December 15, 2008 – June 17, 2010

Ron owned and operated a small local successful fire extinguisher company, Arrow Fire Equipment for many years. We got to know Ron through the years in our local market and he became a friendly competitor. We often helped him out when he needed us. So, when it came time for Ron to transition into retirement but keep his customers cared for, Fox Valley Fire purchased Arrow Fire Equipment. Ron came on board here for a year and a half during the transition, as well as, Danny, Arrow’s service technician. Ron could then step into retirement knowing his customers would continue to get great service.

Ron was a friendly guy, a family man and an Army veteran of Vietnam. Ron is survived by his dear wife, Lucy; daughters, Michele and Dana; and four cherished grandchildren.

Ron, we appreciate that when you were looking for someone to purchase your business you chose us. Thank you for your service and we are happy that you retired as a member of the Fox Valley Fire & Safety family.

 

Bob GreenfieldRobert Greenfield
October 25, 1931 – September 19, 2016

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
June 5, 2000 – April 28, 2010

Bob came to work for us after he retired from a long career as a Mechanical Engineer. Bob’s outgoing, friendly personality was a great fit to assist with Security for the Par Development project and the new Boulder Ridge residential development back in 2000. Bob stayed with us well after that project was complete to lend his efforts for a total of 10 years before retiring permanently.

Bob was a patriot who served in the Army during the Korean War, he loved his country and his family. Bob and his late wife, Anita, raised a son and daughter. Bob was a great teacher and communicator, qualities that served him well throughout his careers and family life. He told once about a big chalk board he had on the wall in the basement of his home when his kids were school age. Often when he got home from work, he would help them with their homework by “putting it on the board” and “working through it” on that big chalkboard. Bob brought that same “let’s figure this out” attribute with him to work every day. What a great example of the great man we had the privilege of working with.

Bob, you were a bright spot to our Fox Valley Fire & Safety team – Thank you for your service.

 

Lyle MouselLyle Mousel
January 7, 1934 – July 17, 2016

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
October 3, 2002 – June 30, 2013

Lyle came to work for us in 2002 after he retired for the second time, from a long sales career with Toryan Technologies.

At the time we needed a delivery driver to get equipment and engineered drawings to job sites. Our own Terri Mousel, Engineering Manager, suggested her newly retired dad apply for the part time job. Lyle was a perfect fit with his knowledge of the Chicagoland area and his “get-r-done” attitude. Lyle was always a happy guy – a bright spot whenever he was in the office, and the same to our employees and customers in the field.

Lyle loved his family – wife Lois, whom he married in 1952 and the five daughters they raised together. Lyle enjoyed the growth of his family with ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was happiest when they were all together at the lake in Wisconsin. A great day started with a big breakfast, fishing on the lake, a day of family time complete with singing by the evening campfire.

Lyle, we sure enjoyed the time you gave Fox Valley Fire & Safety – over 10 years. Thank you!

 

Thomas GraczykThomas Graczyk
June 21, 1961 – June 2, 2016

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
July 5, 2005 – June 2, 2016

The un-expected passing of Tom Graczyk leaves all of us in shock and disbelief. It really hits hard when we lose a co-worker and friend so suddenly. We will all miss the genuine happy guy that Tom was and the way he served our customers as a fire alarm technician. Tom provided service on hundreds of systems over his eleven years with us and treated all of those customers in the same friendly manner.

Like many of us, Tom came to work at Fox Valley Fire through a connection. Tom’s son-in-law, Jason Dusinski was leaving our company back in 2005 and recommended Tom for the opening. Tom’s background in electronics from his days with Motorola provided the right fit.

Tom was a family man with a wife of 30 years, together they raised two daughters and a son. Tom was a Chicago boy, graduating from Gordon Tech High School in 1980 and later earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from McHenry County College. Tom loved Chicago sports, the Bears and Blackhawks in particular. He took every opportunity to coach his kids in sports as they were growing up. Tom was a guy that liked new experiences and over the last several years he had enjoyed visiting his daughters in Colorado where, as a family they all could explore the land by biking, hiking and climbing in the great outdoors.

Tom, we will miss you dearly. You are forever a part of the Fox Valley Fire & Safety family.

 

Sandra GregorySandra Gregory
November 26, 1968 – October 3, 2014

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
January 28, 2013 – October 3, 2014

It’s with great sadness that we face the loss of another Fox Valley Fire & Safety family member. Live, Love, Laugh. That’s what Sandra Gregory was all about. She lived, loved and laughed with her family and friends each and every day. Fox Valley Fire & Safety was fortunate to have had Sandra working with us and exposing all of us to her wonderful personality, attitude and bigger than life laugh. Sandra was all about family so it’s so fitting that Sandra worked here and became part of our Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family.

Sandra received the gift of life from her sister, Norma on February 24, 2014 with a successful kidney transplant. Both ladies did remarkably well with their recoveries. Sandra returned to work and enjoying family and friends. After such promise and hope for an extended life with a new kidney we are all so saddened by Sandra’s passing. Our hearts go out to all of Sandra’s family, especially her son Marcel Gonzales who is one of our Sprinkler Technicians.

We will miss you Sandra Gregory, and thank you for your service to our company.
Sandra you are and always will be part of the Fox Valley Fire family.


Hansen John2John Hansen
March 13, 1962 – June 15, 2014

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
February 28, 2003 – June 15, 2014

Our entire company is mourning the un-expected passing of John Hansen. We are a company that has several actual families working here, and that sense of family carries over to all of our employees as many of our close friends work here too.

John joined Fox Valley Fire & Safety in 2003 following his younger brother, Joe Hansen, to take a position as a Service Technician. John took care of our customers in the northwestern suburbs, inspecting, maintaining and recharging, fire extinguishers and kitchen cooking fire suppression systems.

John was a man of few words but once you got to know him he had a quick wit and was very charming. John’s passions outside of work were golf, spending time with his four brothers, one sister, and his children. John was a loving father to a son and a daughter. John’s life ended all too soon. While we mourn his loss we remember the great friend and employee he was as a member of the Fox Valley Fire & Safety family.


Barb Roberts3Barbra Roberts
Deceased January 23, 2014

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
March 6, 2000 – April 15, 2009

Barb joined the Fox Valley Fire & Safety family team in 2000, taking a position in accounts receivable before becoming a billing clerk. In her nine-year stay with us, Barb processed thousands of work orders before her retirement in 2009.

Barb was a lifelong Elgin resident, graduating from Elgin High School and attended Elgin Community College. Barb was the loving mother to one son, Ken. She worked all of her life to support her family and held several jobs during her career before joining Fox Valley Fire & Safety. All of us miss Barb, the jokester and her great laugh. Barb’s passions in life were coffee, computers and her dog, Freckles. Barb always had a cup of coffee in hand. During her retirement years her computer and the Internet were her window to family and friends. Freckles, the dog was her constant companion and even visited her in the hospital.

Barb, we hope there is a coffee shop with Internet in heaven.


JeromeS1Jerome Scruggs
April 16, 1960 – December 13, 2013

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
March 31, 1986 – December 8, 2010

Jerome began his Fox Valley Fire & Safety career in 1986 as our Shop Technician. Jerome was in charge of inspecting, hydro testing and recharging all of our customer’s fire extinguishers brought into our shop that can’t be hydro tested in our service vehicles. Jerome served in his position for 24 years before retiring in December of 2010.

Jerome grew up in New York and was raised as a Yankees fan. Once a Yankees fan always a Yankees fan. Jerome loved sports and all of the New York teams except for football where he showed his passion for the Dallas Cowboys. Office lunch conversations with Jerome revolved around sports and how his teams were going to beat our teams. This friendly jabbing only endeared your friendship with him. He was a big lovable friend and we miss him in the Fox Valley Fire family.


JerrySkiGerald (Jerry) L. Prybylski
Deceased September 15, 2011

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
September 17, 1979 – September 17, 2004

Jerry served proudly in the Air Force and Vietnam, fulfilling his boyhood dream of becoming a firefighter. After his military duty, Jerry continued to serve and protect as a firefighter at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Glenview Naval Station and Fermi Lab. He obtained an Associate Degree in Fire Protection from Triton Junior College and a Bachelor’s Degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in Fire Science Management.

A change in career brought Jerry to begin his 25-year career with Fox Valley Fire & Safety in 1979. Jerry began working as a Fire Safety Technician, serving our customers for the next 14 years.
In 1993 Jerry’s friendly personality led him to work successfully as a Sales Representative. The later years, Jerry worked in our Accounts Receivable Department until his retirement on September 17, 2004. He chose this day because it was exactly 25 years to the day. Plus, the next day, Saturday, was the anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, of which he was a proud veteran. Jerry was always punctual; a must in the military, fire fighting and sales.

In retirement, Jerry and Rochelle, his wife of 39 years, enjoyed traveling and spending time with their beloved dog, Snowball.

Jerry brought his charm, humor, patriotism, and friendliness to Fox Valley Fire & Safety and will long be remembered for the contributions he made to the company. His Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family will remember him as a wonderful friend.

Thanks Jerry.


memorial-shirley-mertensShirley Mertens
February 11, 1931 – July 13, 2011

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
November 1, 1974 – December 31, 1998

Shirley began her second career at Fox Valley Fire & Safety learning our business in a general office position, after many years with Allstate. Very quickly, Shirley became our full-time typist and transcriptionist. Shirley started in 1974 long before computers were available for word processing, spell check did not exist and the only way to get more than one copy was to use carbon paper.

Shirley’s accuracy and speed were important since corrections had to be made first with an eraser, later with correction tape, and finally Liquid Paper was invented. The “old timers” here at Fox Valley Fire can still hear the high speed click-clack of her typewriter.

Shirley was a master at deciphering horrible handwriting, as we had not yet purchased a dictation system. She had a great talent of re-wording written communication; she made each person’s letters look great and was able to communicate based on the personal style of each person. There was no way to create or save a macro back then so each letter and contract was an original. Shirley was our “original” for 24 years, until her retirement at the end of 1998.

While working full-time all those years, Shirley raised twin daughters, Diane and Donna followed by another daughter, Sharon. All three girls have fond memories of their childhood with their wonderful mother. Shirley was also a very proud grandmother to 3 granddaughters and 1 grandson, and a great-grandmother to 3 great-grandchildren.

Shirley attended our Annual Employee Appreciation Banquet in 2008 as a special retiree guest. It was wonderful to have Shirley in attendance and welcome her to her Fox Valley Fire Family Reunion.

Here’s to you Shirley!


steve-matousekSteve Matousek
February 15, 1959-May 25, 2010

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
June 3, 1986-May, 25, 2010

Fox Valley Fire & Safety is a “family” company that exudes that sense of belonging. Many of our past and present employees are related to, or are friends with someone that works here. It’s often said on your first day, “Whom do you know and how do you know them?”. Steve Matousek “knew” his brother Tom Matousek, already a FVFS employee; back in 1986 when he took what he thought was a temporary job as a Standard Products Sales Representative. Steve was born and raised in Algonquin, IL, and a graduate of Jacobs High School. With a Bachelors Degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Steve was a natural salesman with the charm and wit to close the deal. In 1994, Steve’s sales success led him to work beside his brother Tom as a Fire Alarm Salesman, and later joined by another brother, Dave Matousek. Three competitive brothers all selling the same thing made for some interesting discussions. Steve’s annual sales efforts contributed greatly to the growth of the Fire Alarm Division and Fox Valley Fire & Safety.

On the personal side, Steve was a proud father to three daughters. He loved to tell a story, had a great laugh, and often flashed the “peace” sign as he left the building. With a life cut too short, we will all miss Steve’s contributions to Fox Valley Fire & Safety, both professionally and personally.

Peace Steve.


bonnie-harrisBonnie Harris
October 28, 1936-March 29, 2010

Fox Valley Fire & Safety Family Member
November 14, 1988-November 1, 2001

Bonnie began her Fox Valley career as our Office Mail Clerk. The daily mail was delivered with her friendly demeanor. Shortly, an opportunity as Purchasing Clerk came her way. In this position, Bonnie gained valuable knowledge of the “ins and outs” of our Shipping and Receiving Department. Her diligent work ethic, responsiveness to department needs, and belief that the right way to do a job is the only way to do a job, made Bonnie the obvious choice for Purchasing Manager in 1991. As Manager, Bonnie implemented and taught many of the procedures still used today. Bonnie is an example of a conscientious employee succeeding within our company.

Although Bonnie loved the Southwest, upon her retirement in 2001, she returned to her native state of Michigan. She was now near what she loved most, her family; three daughters, one son, 9 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren.

Thank you Bonnie.