Donna Kraar

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donna Marie Kraar, 52, on this day, Jan 13, 2023. Donna was a loving wife of over 20 years and a devoted dog mom. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 18, 1970 to Robert and Doramarie Bales.

Donna began her career in the hospitality industry after graduating from the Echol's School of Travel. She held various positions in the hotel industry, including front desk manager at the Holiday Inn and the Drake Hotel in Chicago, where she hosted Princess Diane and was manager during the filming of key scenes from My Best Friend's Wedding in 1996.

In 1998, Donna transitioned to a new phase in her career as a Meeting Planner at the Gleacher Center, a conference and events center in downtown Chicago. She became a Certified Meeting Planner and found a true passion for organizing events. She went on to work for the WJ Weiser medical association in Schaumburg, Illinois and the Association of Professional Chaplains in Hoffman Estates, where she excelled in coordinating meetings at hotels and conference centers across the country.

In addition to her career, Donna was a talented scrapbooker, animal lover, movie buff, avid reader, and fan of reality TV, especially shows on Bravo. One of her favorite memories was when she and her friend were extras in the parking garage scene of Ferris Bueller's Day Off in 1986. She had a passion for life. She was a force of nature and had an infectious smile and laugh that brought joy to those around her.

Donna is survived by her husband, Jonathan, her 14 year old corgi, Lady, and her sisters Debbie Bales and Jeannie (Sunny) Valera, as well as nephews Christopher and Daniel and niece Samantha Valera.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL