Patricia Kraai

Patricia “Patti” Kraai (nee McAnully), beloved wife and best friend for 58 years of Jack Kraai; cherished mom of Karin (Bill Dusz), Kelli (Pete Markuson and the late Scott Mitchell), and Kristin (Kevin Keely); adored grandma of Derek, Kevin McAnully, Gillian London, Katherine Patricia, Gabby and Caroline.

Patti was born on January 23, 1939 in St. Louis and spent her growing up years in Indianapolis and Detroit. She attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and graduated with a degree in elementary education the morning of June 10, 1961; later that same day, she married the love of her life, Jack. They moved to Chicago and their family started just 10 months later. Patti remained in the Chicago area (Orland Park and Lemont), with frequent trips to Arizona, Minnesota, Michigan and Indiana to visit family and friends.

Patti relished in 50+ years of family vacations to Michigan’s southwestern shore and sunsets on the lake from the balcony of her and Jack’s South Haven “Summer Place.” She loved 58 years of Friday night dinner + movie dates with Jack, autumn, reading—novels, biographies and numerous daily devotionals, bagpipes, church and her Bible study, mother-daughter weekends, exploring her ancestry, special birthday outings with each grandchild, Christmas, crossword puzzles and college girl getaways; mostly though, she ferociously loved her husband, girls, sons-in-law, grandkids, and her late parents, Billie & John McAnully.

Patti’s love and care for others cast a wide net. She was like a mother to many and hundreds were the beneficiaries of her greeting card ministry. The support she provided to others over the years was richly reciprocated as she fought her own battle with cancer. She was humbled by the outpouring of love she received during such a difficult time. Her enormous heart was a gift to us all and will be forever missed.

A Celebration of Life event will be held Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Road, Lemont, IL 60439. The Kraai family will receive family and friends beginning at 1:00 p.m.; service will follow at 2:00 p.m.; all are welcome for fellowship and refreshments immediately after the service until 5:00 p.m.

Please omit flowers; memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Church and mailed to the above address or click here to make a donation online.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400