Obituary of Melvin James Kraas

Melvin J. Kraas, 83, of Blue Island. He was the beloved long time companion of the late Loretta Radke. Mel was the loving brother of the late Robert. He is the cherished  uncle of Carol (Walter) Healy, Janet Hurta and Gail Gley and the devoted great uncle of David, Shaun, Steven, Shannon, Robert and Matthew. Mel is the dear friend of Bill Sobczak and the late Carol Sobczak.

Mel was a lifelong resident of Blue Island where he served as Budget Director from 1987-2000 and on the Park Board for many years. He was a long time active member of Grace United Methodist Church. Mel was formerly employed by Acme Steel as a metalurgist. He was veteran of the US Army and a member of the American Legion Post 50. Mel was a member of the Shriners Black Horse Troop.

Mel always greeted folks with a smile and leaves many friends and neighbors to cherish his memory. 

 Visitation for Mel will be Friday, November 3, 2017 from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the Krueger Funeral Home, 13050 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Funeral services will be conducted  Saturday at 11:00 am at Grace United Methodist Church, 12739 S. Maple Ave., Blue Island. Interment will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Blue Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Grace United Methodist Church or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate will be greatly appreciated.