Horst Kwech

November 28, 1937 - December 28, 2019

Horst Kwech’s remarkable life came to an end on Saturday, December 28. He died at home, peacefully in his sleep. Horst was born to Rudolf and Kamilla Kwech, in Vienna, Austria in 1937. He, his mother, and older sister, fled to Australia during World War II. He went to university in Australia and is a veteran of the Malaysian War. The Outback suited his adventurous spirit. He was a champion in the motocross circuit and earned the name “Quick Kwech”, which foreshadowed his later accomplishments within the race car driving industry. Horst moved to the United States in the early 60’s and went on to achieve a legendary status within the driving industry. He won countless medals and set many records. Upon retiring as a driver he went on to be a brilliant engineer and created more than 20 original patents. In his partial retirement, he developed an interest in airplanes. Horst is preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Levitt, sister Helga and step son Bret O’Brien. Horst leaves behind his loving and extended family, wife Linda O’Brien Kwech; his son Horst “Bluey” Kwech, his former wife Jenn and their children Taylor, Mia and Sloane; his step son Blake (Rebekah) O’Brien and their children Maeve and Blake and step daughter Caitlin O’Brien . There will be an open house and celebration of his life on Thursday January 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm at Force Manufacturing 266 Park Ave. Lake Villa, IL 60046. 847-265-6500