Jack Kraai ’60

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 friendJack 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-lawBorn 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 professionallyJack’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

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