Harry Steven Kroeger

Harry is survived by his daughters Renee Mitchell (married to Al Rago) of Lombard, IL, and Danielle Kamis (married to Cenk Kamis) of Garden City, NY., his brother, Kurt Kroeger (married to Ellie Kroeger) of Springfield. VA and his four grandchildren Jon and Kathryn Mitchell and Alexander and Aiden Kamis. He is preceded in death by his parents Felix and Frieda Kroeger and his daughter Maija Kroeger. Harry was born, along with his twin brother Kurt, on August 26th, 1939, in Riga Latvia to Felix and Frieda.

The family emigrated on a Liberty ship and entered the United States through Ellis Island in 1951. They lived as recent immigrants in Iowa Falls Iowa, but eventually settled in Chicago, IL. Harry graduated from The University of Illinois in 1963 with a degree in Architecture and obtained his architecture license. He married Susan Emmons-Kroeger before her graduation. Harry took a position in 1968 in the Regional Office in Chicago for The US General Services Administration working for Design and Construction. For the remainder of his career, Harry worked as a Project Manager and Architect overseeing projects in IL, IN, WI, MI and MN for the federal government. Over a period of three years, the couple welcomed Renee, Maija, and Danielle, and the family eventually settled in Downers Grove, IL. Harry was an outdoors enthusiast; he was a long-distance runner for most of his adult life and taught all his daughters at a young age how to ski and frequently would take them on long bike rides through Bemis Woods. He loved to read the paper every morning on the train as well as showing his daughters the wonders of Chicago. Weekends as children were often spent exploring many of Chicago’s museums, with Harry teaching his children about art and architecture. His children remember him as very bright and curious, loved books and music, was artistic as well as someone who loved to tinker and improve designs. Harry had an ironical sense of humor and loved to challenge your norms and beliefs. Sadly, Harry and Susan divorced in 1982.

Later in life, Harry sought new connections and was married to Sherri Kroeger in 1996. They lived in West Dundee for 10 plus years until their divorce. Harry moved to Village Green Condominium in East Dundee in 2011. There he found an exercise group to work out with and met Bonnie Kalaway who was his close companion and stayed by his side throughout the rest of his days. Harry and Bonnie were friends, travel companions, concert goers, and exercise partners who shared a deep connection.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for July 29th at 1:00 at the Village Green Condominium Complex, social room in East Dundee, IL. Harry’s friends and family may say a few words, and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Harry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Humane Society of the United States humanesociety.org. Condolences can be sent to Bonnie Kalaway.

The family would like to thank Sam (Olusegun Akinlade) for his dedication and care over the last 6 plus years as he cared for Harry in his home. Sam truly helped the family and made it possible for Harry to live in his own home and remain more independent. The family believes that Sam’s devoted care extended Harry’s life and let him die with the dignity that he deserved