Frederick A Krehbiel

Frederick August Krehbiel, former CEO and co-chairman of Lisle-based Molex Inc., died June 3 at Hinsdale Hospital after a brief illness. He was 80. Fred Krehbiel once ran, with his brother John, their family’s Illinois manufacturing business, Molex, which produced electronics connectors. They sold the company for $7.2 billion in 2014 to the late industrialist David Koch and his brother, Charles, Molex was founded by Fred Krehbiel’s grandfather in 1938, and Fred Krehbiel served as both co-chief executive officer and co-chairman before he retired. Frederick A. Krehbiel has served as a director of Molex since 1972. Mr. Krehbiel has been Co-Chairman of the Board since 1999. From 1988 to 1999 he served as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and as Chairman from 1993 to 1999. From 1999 to 2001 he served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and as Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2005. Krehbiel also 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. Krehbiel was born in June 1941 near Downers Grove. He graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1959 and Lake Forest College in 1963 with a degree in political science. His uncle was former White Sox owner Bill Veeck. Krehbiel is survived by his wife, Kay; two sons, Liam (Karen) and Jay (Silvia); five grandchildren, Jack, Morgan, Anthea, August and Adele; and his brother John.