DuPage County leaders remember former Recorder Fred Bucholz

DuPage County leaders are remembering Fred Bucholz, a longtime political leader and former county recorder who passed away May 15 at the age of 71.

A lifelong resident of DuPage County, Bucholz began his career working in the recorder’s office in the early 1980s. The Wheaton Republican served as chief deputy recorder for 20 years under J.P. “Rick” Carney before being elected recorder in 2004. He retired in 2020 after serving four terms.

“He was extremely friendly and a dedicated public servant,” Carney recalled. “Everybody liked him.”

DuPage County Board Chair Deb Conroy took a moment at Tuesday’s board meeting to highlight Bucholz and his service to the county.

Among his contributions, Conroy said Bucholz created the Property Fraud Alert System, which helps protect residents against fraudulent recordings against their property. He also supported efforts to implement the electronic recording of property records statewide, served on the Illinois Electronic Recording Commission, and helped implement the Uniform Property Electronic Recording Act.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of former Recorder Fred Bucholz,” Conroy said in a written statement. “He was a dedicated public servant whose contributions will be felt for years to come. Our hearts and condolences go out to his family and friends during this time.”

Bob Grogan, who served as DuPage County’s auditor while Bucholz was recorder, said Bucholz worked to safeguard county residents.

“Your most valuable asset was safe under Fred,” said Grogan, who was recently named the state’s GOP chair. “He was very proactive on all those kinds of things.”

Grogan and other fellow Republicans described Bucholz as a mentor, friend and public servant.

DuPage County Board member Jim Zay, the longest-serving Republican on the board, said he counts Bucholz as one of his mentors and recounted how he would talk with Bucholz and the late Gary King, who served as county clerk.

Zay said he was proud to call both friends and appreciated their talks.

“Fred always said, ‘Be yourself. Don’t be something you’re not,’” Zay recalled.

Grogan and others recall that bit of advice from Bucholz.

“You meet very few people along the way … that you think are really good people and they care about what they’re doing,” said Chris Kachiroubas, who served as DuPage County circuit clerk from 2004 to 2020. “For many people, Fred made that list. He was that guy … He was just a good man.”

The two had a friendly college rivalry — Bucholz, a Knox College graduate, and Kachiroubas, a graduate of Monmouth College. When they were sworn in to their respective positions in 2004, each wore their college hat, Kachiroubas recalled.

The obituary for Bucholz notes that he “could strike up a conversation with anyone and, within minutes, find common ground.”

Bucholz is survived by his wife, Becky, and his children, Brigette (Dave) DeMarzo, Jack and Danny; and four grandsons. He is also survived by his brother, Phil Bucholz, and sister-in-law, Sherril, along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held July 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at Arrowhead Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.