Kristen H. Graack

Kristen Graack (née Halwax) passed away peacefully on August 18th, surrounded by her beloved husband and sons.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Robert; her sons, Henry (Mandee), Zachary (Sara), and Samuel (Ashley); and her grandchildren, Oliver, Frances, Amelia, Penelope, and Nathan. She is also survived by her sisters, Jennifer (the late Michael) Conlon and Pamela (Dean) Bennett, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Kris was the middle daughter of the late Frank and Lorraine (née Jaeger) Halwax.

Kris was born and raised in Chicago, where she attended St. Ferdinand Grade School and Notre Dame High School for Girls. After graduating from Western Illinois University with a degree in geography, she earned a master’s degree in cartography from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later obtained her teaching degree.

An early computer cartographer, Kris began her career creating maps for the U.S. Department of State. She later moved to Wisconsin with Bob, where they opened a restaurant together. When they began their family, they returned to Illinois, and Kris began a long and rewarding career as a teacher. After retiring, she could often be found dividing her time between Des Plaines and Mirror Lake, Wisconsin, or spending time with her grandchildren.

From childhood, Kris loved being outdoors. Whether she was out on the lake, camping with her children, spending summers at the shade house in Wisconsin or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of nature, she found joy and peace outside. She was an avid Blackhawks fan, an enthusiastic reader, and could never resist a good dive bar, a cold beer, and some ice cream. One of her favorite things was watching her sons play volleyball. A talented musician, Kris also loved learning new things and approaching life with curiosity.

Above all, Kris will be remembered for her generous and giving spirit. She volunteered caring for babies born to mothers struggling with addiction and spent many years running the kitchen at the PADS shelter. She advocated passionately for causes and candidates she believed in, served diligently on the Des Plaines Library Board, and served as an election judge.

Kris was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, friend, and advocate whose warmth, humor, curiosity, and generosity touched countless lives. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Visitation 9:00am until time of Mass 10:00am on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church 320 S. Washington Ave., Park Ridge, IL. Memorial luncheon will follow at Moretti's of Edison Park at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of Kristen’s favorite charities, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at www.sndden.org