Jack Kraai

Jack A. Kraai, beloved husband and best friend for 58 years of the late Patti McAnully Kraai, cherished dad of Karin (Bill Dusz), Kelli (Pete Markuson and the late Scott Mitchell) and Kristin (Kevin Keely); adored papa of Derek, Kevin, Gillian, Katie, Gabby and Caroline. Revered big brother of Margie (Don VanderMeeden) and the late Leonard Kraai. Treasured uncle and cousin. Faithful friend.

Jack loved the Cubs game on the radio, the sunshine on his face and the great conversations on the deck in South Haven, fast cars, his church men’s group, reading novels and the Tribune, following Chicago sports and managing his stock portfolio. Mostly though, he ferociously loved his wife, daughters, grandkids, and sons-in-law.

Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Jack left the city to attend Hope College in Holland, MI and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. He returned to the Chicago area after school and remained there, ultimately creating homes with Patti in Worth, Orland Park and Lemont. He spent his career with CNA Insurance, advising countless clients, family members and friends on how to financially plan for their futures. He was a great listener, a wise counselor, and a pragmatic thinker. These wonderful qualities made him a sought-after advisor both personally and professionally.

Jack’s competitive spirit and drive to win served him well in all the sports at which he excelled as well as in his struggles with both MS and Parkinson’s. He lived with these diseases and fought their effects with uncommon grace and strength to the very end.

Visitation and Celebration of Life service to be held at Christ Community Church, 13400 Bell Rd., Lemont, IL on Saturday, February 20th, 2021. Visitation from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm with service immediately following at 2:00 pm. For those attending in person, face mask and social distancing protocols will be followed. For those unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life service will be live streamed via link
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE-STREAM LINK

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Community Church and mailed to 13400 Bell Rd, Lemont, IL, 60439 or click HERE https://www.ccconbell.com/give/ to make an online donation. Arrangements through Colonial Chapel, Orland Park, colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400.

Below is a video tribute celebrating Jack's life