Hans Metzinger, Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hans Metzinger, Sr. passed away peacefully on July 17, 2020 at his home in Prospect Heights. He was born on March 27, 1930 in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia to Johann and Katherina Metzinger. Growing up, Hans showed promise as a talented soccer player and it was evident that the sport would become an important part of his life. During WWII, Hans and his family were forced to flee their home in Yugoslavia and head for Budapest. After the war, he sought safety and was smuggled into Vienna in the back of a truck. Once settled in Vienna, Hans continued his soccer career and landed his first professional contract playing in the Austrian Stadt Liga. It’s no surprise that Hans met Anni, his wife of 66 years, at one of his soccer games which she attended as a spectator. After wooing her with flowers, chocolates, and his charming sense of humor the two eventually married. In 1956, Hans and Anni relocated to Chicago where he raised his children Hans Jr. and Christine. While in Chicago, Hans started a successful construction business, became involved in the local soccer scene, and still had time to tend to his robust vegetable garden. He joined Green White Soccer Club where he went on to become one of their most influential players and members. He played until he was 52 years old and served as club President for many terms. His staunch dedication to the sport and community resulted in Hans’ induction into the Illinois Soccer Hall of Fame. Hans passed along his passion, leadership, and love of the sport to his family and friends. Regardless of where he lived or the circumstances therein, Hans always found community and learned how to adapt, as evidenced by his fluency in five different languages. He will be warmly remembered as a gregarious and compassionate man who loved to surround himself with people. Hans is survived by his wife Anni, son Hans (Sonja), daughter Christine, his grandchildren Olivia (Jonathan), Brigitta (Dominick), Kylie, Jonathan, Billy, great-grandchildren Monroe, Arden, and his brother Ladsi. Due to the pandemic, services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In the meantime, Hans’ family would love for you to share your fond memories and photos of him on this page. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Green White Soccer Club in Hans’ honor: https://www.greenwhitesoccer.org/hans

Hans Metzinger, Sr.

March 27, 1930 - July 17, 2020