John and Joanne Kraska

John Richard Kraska, 76, and Joanne Marie (Singleton) Kraska, 71, died suddenly on Saturday, January 26, 2019 during a trip to their beloved cottage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. John was born December 23, 1942 to John and Mary (Niznik) Kraska in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Joanne was born July 1, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York to Vivian (Dooly) and Charles Singleton. John and Joanne met while attending the University of Illinois and were married August 19, 1967. Together, they raised their three children, Michael (d.2014), Robert and Susan. John received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He worked at the Upjohn Company for 30 years as a chemical engineer. After graduating U of I, Joanne earned a Master’s of Social Work from Western Michigan University. She poured her heart into serving the needs of children and families through foster care and adoption at Family and Children's Services of Kalamazoo. John and Joanne enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren, traveling to the National Parks, visiting their cottage and quiet times in nature. John's hobbies included birdwatching, tracking the weather and working with computers. Joanne enjoyed reading, cooking for her loved ones and spending time with friends - especially her dear friend of forty-five years, Cheryl Holtman.

John and Joanne are preceded in death by their parents and their son Michael Kraska. They are survived by their siblings: John's brothers Robert and Richard (Nancy) Kraska and Joanne's sister Gayle (Dennis) Phillips and brother James (Janet) Singleton, as well as several nieces and nephews. They will be greatly missed by their children Robert (Ellen) Kraska, Susan (Dirk) Dragt, Daughter-in-law Jennifer Kraska, and grandchildren Kelsey, Serena, Aiden and Josephine. Friends and family are invited to attend visitation on Monday, February 4th from 4-7 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Home 622 South Burdick St. Kalamazoo. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, February 5th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John and Joanne's names to the Handle with Care fund at Family and Children's Services of Kalamazoo http://www.fcsource.org/.