Obituary for Chef Hans Aeschbacher
Chef Hans Aeschbacher, a beloved culinary icon in Chicago known to many as simply “Chef Hans,” passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Chef Hans was honored as a legendary chef by the Chicago Culinary Museum and the Chefs Hall of Fame in 2013 and held executive positions at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, Lawry’s, Smith & Wollensky, among others. He also served as Executive Chef at the United Center, cooking for the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls. He also cooked for the Chicago Cubs.
Chef Hans will be remembered not only for his culinary talents and dedication to his craft, but also for his warmth and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the culinary community. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Esther. He leaves behind a legacy carried on by his son, Hans, daughter-in-law Danielle, daughter Elizabeth, and sister Heidi Gnaegi. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, April 18 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, Illinois. An opportunity will provided to those who wish to share a tribute to Chef Hans from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. that evening. A private interment will be held in Switzerland.
In addition to his remarkable legacy, Chef Hans held deep admiration for many charities and especially two charities close to his heart. The family requests that instead of sending flowers for the service, that those wishing to honor his memory, make donations to either of the following charities:
The American Academy of Chefs
6816 Southpoint Parkway, #400
Jacksonville, FL 32216
The Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf
payable to:
AHIHA
c/o Kevin Delaney
9345 N Harding
Evanston, IL 60203
These contributions will continue Chef Hans' legacy of compassion and generosity, reflecting his enduring commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Chef Hans will be remembered not only for his culinary talents and dedication to his craft, but also for his warmth and generosity. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the culinary community. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Esther. He leaves behind a legacy carried on by his son, Hans, daughter-in-law Danielle, daughter Elizabeth, and sister Heidi Gnaegi. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, April 18 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, Illinois. An opportunity will provided to those who wish to share a tribute to Chef Hans from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. that evening. A private interment will be held in Switzerland.
In addition to his remarkable legacy, Chef Hans held deep admiration for many charities and especially two charities close to his heart. The family requests that instead of sending flowers for the service, that those wishing to honor his memory, make donations to either of the following charities:
The American Academy of Chefs
6816 Southpoint Parkway, #400
Jacksonville, FL 32216
The Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf
payable to:
AHIHA
c/o Kevin Delaney
9345 N Harding
Evanston, IL 60203
These contributions will continue Chef Hans' legacy of compassion and generosity, reflecting his enduring commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.