Kraig Kaatz

Kraig Kaatz, 72, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025. Born on July 21, 1952, in rural Athelstane, Wisconsin, to Otto "Poley" Kaatz Jr. and Beverly Kaatz, Kraig was raised immersed in the big timber and tea-colored waters of Marinette County. In his youth, he was often barefoot fly-fishing or plinking partridge in the pines. His early adventures sparked a passion for the outdoors that thrived throughout his life.

In the 1960s, the Kaatz family moved to the faster-paced residential setting of Burbank, Illinois, a drastic adjustment from the quiet Northwoods. Embracing his new surroundings, he forged lifelong bonds with many friends (THB) and graduated from Reavis High School. Kraig followed in his father Poley’s gentle footsteps and became a Union carpenter, honing the craft and taking pride in his part in many construction projects around Chicagoland. Kraig’s dedication to the craft (and a lot of overtime) allowed him to purchase a cherished hunting property along the muddy banks of the Plum River. This became the sanctuary setting where family and friends could paint their own memories in the outdoors, mirroring Kraig’s Northwoods youth with a new light. On August 13, 1977, he married Arlene Bonk, and together they built their loving family, settling into their beautiful home in suburban Oak Forest, Illinois.

Whether patiently perched in a treestand awaiting sunrise in the pre-dawn stillness, struggling to see through fogged glasses in the mist of a flooded marsh duck blind, or bracing against a frigid wind in a snowy goose field, Kraig loved the adventure and camaraderie of his hunting endeavors—an exercise in patience and stillness echoed through his life. His champion Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Buddy (deceased) and River, were his pride and joy, especially upon retirement. The dogs’ abilities were a testament to Kraig’s dedication and commitment.

Kraig bolstered a sense of community in a wide range of endeavors outside of his construction career. He greatly enjoyed coaching his sons in youth baseball for nearly a decade, another exercise in patience. He later became a steadfast advocate for sportsmen’s rights, ultimately becoming the President of the National Trappers Association, working to preserve the heritage for future generations. He felt a great sense of purpose in the Toller community, traveling thousands of miles for dog training and trial events. His commitment extended further into his faith, where he was a member of Christ Community Church, bringing a sense of humor and uplifting spirit to church gatherings. His sense of humor was a thread throughout his life; whether at the jobsite, the neighborhood driveway, or evenings at the cabin, he left an impact on many who knew him. That impact was perhaps greatest in the pride he took in being a grandpa, he smiled big every time he was called "Gramp Kaatz."

Kraig is survived by his wife of 48 years, Arlene Kaatz; sons, Kyle (Lorie) Kaatz and Kellen Kaatz; granddaughters, Ellarose and Emmarie Kaatz; siblings, Kim (Mark) Solone and Raymond Kaatz; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved retriever, River. He was preceded in death by his twin children, Aaron and Jaimie Kaatz; his parents, Poley and Beverly Kaatz; his sister-in-law Kathie Kaatz, and his retriever, Buddy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 31st, with lunch and celebration to follow, at Christ Community Church, 13400 S. Bell Rd, Lemont, IL 60439.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Community Church.

Kraig’s legacy eternally lives on in those patient, quiet moments of pre-dawn, the giggling of loved ones, the land and natural background he cherished, and the communities he strengthened.

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