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BORN
1925
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Albert Kristan Obituary
Mass of Christian Burial for Albert J. “Pete” Kristan, 95, is Tuesday September 28th at 10 AM at Santa Maria Del Popolo Church “Big Church” (116 N. Lake St, Mundelein). Interment will follow at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville.
Visitation is Monday September 27th from 1-8 PM at Kristan Funeral Home, 219 W Maple Ave (2 blocks west of Route 45, on Route 176) Mundelein.
Pete passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2021 in Mundelein with family at his side.
He was born November 13, 1925 to Leo and Regina (nee Strauss). Pete grew up on the grounds of Ascension Cemetery where his father, Leo, was the gravedigger. He attended Libertyville Township High School from 1941-1944 and lettered in basketball, track and field, and football, including being a member of LTHS’s 1944 undefeated Football Season.
Pete was drafted into the United States Army during his senior year and was deployed in the fall of 1944 to the European Theater. Pete graduated from Libertyville Township High School while on guard duty in Belgium. He participated in the Ardennes and Rhineland Campaigns, which included the Battle of the Bulge. Pete was also a member of the Army of Occupation and was honorably discharged on May 12, 1946 at the rank of Corporal (TEC 5).
Pete returned home and graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1948. In 1948, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Bette” Lawrence. Together, they had seven children and became synonymous with family, love, and Mundelein.
Pete worked for Tobin’s Funeral Home in Waukegan before opening Burnett-Kristan Funeral home in 1954. This eventually became Kristan Funeral Home in 1969. The original Funeral Home was located 533 N lake St in Mundelein where he and Bette laid the foundations for coming generations.
When not serving the families of Mundelein as a mortician, Pete could be found driving for Kristan Ambulance Service, volunteering for the Mundelein Fire Department, or coaching for numerous youth sports teams.
He was a member of Santa Maria Del Popolo Parish since 1954 where he was a pillar of 7:30 AM Mass for over 50 years, including being an usher, member of the Knights of Columbus, and the Santa Maria Father’s Club.
Despite numerous commitments and a large family, Pete was also a constant at a multitude of organizations such as, the Mundelein Lions Club, the Mundelein American Legion Post #867 (where Pete was a member for 68 years), the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Mundelein Jaycees, the Mundelein Men’s Garden Club (Unofficial Title - The Mundelein Men’s Poker Club), the Mundelein Businessmen Association, the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the Northeastern Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Wednesday Morning “Liar’s Coffee” at McDonalds.
Pete was a Little League coach for over 20 years and was a fixture at countless baseball games, basketball games, golf matches, concerts, volleyball games, regattas, and football games for his 10 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Pete even attained the honorary position of “The Owner” for the Kenosha Indians Baseball Club.
Besides living for his family and serving the community, Pete loved golfing, going to Casinos, and passionately cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Pete is survived by his 6 children Susan (Michael) McNeil, Peter (Steve Kern) Kristan, Brian (Katie) Kristan, Kevin (Bonnie Rae) Kristan, Mary Kay (Doug) Merkau, and Patricia Kristan. His 10 Grandchildren Christopher McNeil, Jennifer (Thomas) Callahan, Paul (Bernadette) McNeil, Amie (James) Queensland, Erin (Jim) Tamkin, Brad (Blanca Guzman) Kristan, Betsy (Jimmy) Williams, Daniel (Becca) Merkau, Elizabeth (Sean) Heinz, and Ian (Jolyssa O’Fallon) Kristan. His 23 Great Grandchildren Riley, Owen, and Grady McNeil; Tyler and Caitlin Callahan; Lucas, Landon, Abrielle, and Evangeline McNeil; Evan, Reese, and Grant Queensland; Tre and Jolie Tamkin; Raelynne, Dawson, and Brooks Williams; Logan, Henry, and Theodore Merkau; and Charlotte and Colton Heinz. And Pete’s 2 canine companions – Maggie and Hobbs.
Pete was preceded in death by his loving wife Elizabeth “Bette” Kristan, his son Paul Tony, and his siblings Marie (Fritz) Johnson, Robert (Lillian) Kristan, William (Emilia) Kristan, Paul L. Kristan, Helen (Milton) Brumm, and Elvira Kristan.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Pete, please direct all donations to Special Olympics of Illinois. For more information and online donations please visit support.specialolympics.org.
Memories and Condolences
for Albert Kristan
52 Entries
Solange Dekeyser
October 27, 2021
My sincere condolences to the Kristan family. Pete was a great handsome guy. I met him many times when he came to visit his brother’s grave Paul Kristan at Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery. I was also lucky to meet his wife and family in Belgium and in Mundelein. Like the other veterans I had the chance to meet and spent memorable moments with, I will always remember him. People really die when they’re forgotten!
Cindy Baker
October 3, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I just learned of this today. He was a great man and is now again with the love of his life. May God give all of you the strength and comfort to get through the grieving. Love you guys
Jim Gallagher
October 2, 2021
Our sincere condolences to tge family. Pete Brian and Kevin.. So sorry to hear the news.
Eenie Rapplean
October 1, 2021
Pete was truly one of the BEST! He was an inspiration to all. May God bless the Kristan family. You are loved❤
Fred Dames
October 1, 2021
Dear Kristan family, our sympathy to you on the passing of a generous soul deeply rooted and devoted to his community. May his memory be eternal.
Mario Filippo
October 1, 2021
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Kristan. Have fond memories of him when the boys were young. He was a wonderful man and lived a great life.
Larry Idstein
September 28, 2021
Kevin and family,
Our family is saddened to hear of your loss. He was a true gentleman who along with your Mom raised a great caring family. Prayers to you and your family,
Larry,Debbie Idstein and family.
Sue (Carsten) Sweeney & Dave Sweeney
September 28, 2021
We are so very, very sorry for your incredible loss. Your family has taken such good care of our families over the decades....thank you. He will be missed, God Bless you all.....
Anna Freeman
September 28, 2021
My sympathies to the beautiful family that's Mr. Kristan raised. His loving children and grandchildren are a testament to the amazing man that he was. He had a wonderful smile and always made me feel welcome in his home whenever I would visit Trish. I hope that his legacy will ease the pain of his loved ones now. My prayers and thoughts are with the Kristan family.
Steve Ratican
September 27, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Kristan’s passing. He was such a good man. He provided comfort to so many people in Mundelein and the surrounding Lake County communities. He will be missed.
I knew that whenever I walked into the Kristan funeral home, he would be there either by the door or in the front office. He would always greet me with a firm handshake and a twinkle in his eye. It is difficult to deal with the death of a family member, friend or acquaintance. It was always so comforting for me to walk into a wake knowing Mr. Kristan would be there to provide his unconditional support. Those traits have been passed along to Peter and Kevin as well as others working at the funeral home.
Mr. Kristan will be dearly missed. May he Rest In Peace as he joins his wife, other family members and friends in Heaven.
Jacqueline Howland
September 27, 2021
When God called to place the Soul where it belongs;
You've helped Him, Pete, by caring for the remains!
God Bless you,
Jacque Howlandh
Kathy Werning
September 26, 2021
For all the kindness and compassion the Kristan Family has shown to this community for all these many years, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you now. You learned well from your father, who was a great man. May he rest in well-deserved peace.
Jesse Ortega
September 26, 2021
It’s impossible to express the pain and sorrow I feel for all the Kristan family. Mollie and I want to express our condolences to the entire Kristan family. I loved Pete and he was my World War II hero. I looked up to him and needless to say how great a person he was. It was a joy and privilege to serve him in little ways. I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace Pete.
Jack Bowes
September 26, 2021
Thanks Pete You we’re a great friend to our family. Good luck with the big card game in heaven ❤
Karen Jarrett
September 25, 2021
Dear Kevin and all of your family, I was sorry to hear about your father’s passing, but WOW what a life he had. May you find peace in knowing he’s worth your mom again and they are happy.
JoAnne Celba
September 25, 2021
Pete will be sorely missed. He was a great friend to the Celba family and liked to tell the stories of his younger days and the pranks he and his friends played on each other. He always greeted you with a smile on his face and kind words. He was one of the good guys!
September 25, 2021
Many thoughts and prayers to the family. We have known you guys a long time. May your dad rest in peace. Much love, from the Summers family.
Kenneth Miller
September 24, 2021
Having known the family for many years, it was easy to see that he made a great impression on his family, and all that knew him. Someone to look up to, given his service to our country and to the community. I am sad that one more pillar of Mundelein has left us. May the peace of the Lord be with you, the family, and all the rest of us who will miss you dearly.
Tom Gaida
September 24, 2021
One of the finest people I've ever known. A true icon of the greatest generation. What I always loved best about him was his sense of humor. For many years he was an usher at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass at Santa Maria del Popolo. When he would come down the aisle with the collection basket, I would put my offering in, then he'd look in the basket, then look at me, and then tap me on the chest with the basket and say, "That's it?" It never grew old and I still laugh out loud every time I think about it. Love you Mr. Kristan, you will be sorely missed!
Ray Semple
September 23, 2021
Pete was a great man. I enjoyed getting to know him over the years. He will be missed by many.
Cat Kasting Almanzo
September 23, 2021
Mr. Kristan was a good friend of my Dad's (John Kasting) so I've known him a long time. Some of my memories include Mundelein's horseshoe tournaments, seeing him and my Dad kibitzing at Carmel's Street Scenes, my Dad talking about his coffee group and their conversations, seeing Mr. Kristan at 7:30 mass, at any wake I was attending and always lamenting about being there. I was lucky enough to spend a few minutes at a time talking with him when I would see him with family at Park Street's outdoor venue. He was quick with a smile and a story. Our latest conversation was about high school class reunions, and how he missed his high school graduation because of WWII. He was a staple of Mundelein and will be missed by many. Godspeed Pete - say hi to Mom and Dad for me.
Betty Werner Grote
September 23, 2021
Mr. Kristan was the epitome of the Greatest Generation. He was a true friend to my parents for many many years. I enjoyed hearing Mr. Kristan’s stories. Are you going to be able to take him home to Ascension through the O’Plaine Road entrance?
Cathy McMullan
September 22, 2021
Sincerest condolences to you and your family. Pete and my Dad, Hank Menneke, aka "Mr. Hank were good friends when my family moved to Mundelein in 1956. He has taken good care of our family members through the years. Our hearts are with you.
Claudia Greenley
September 22, 2021
Pete was a kind and good man. And a comfort in my time of need.
Laura Hatton Riedel
September 22, 2021
Pete was my soft ball coach when I was in middle school. I remember him leading prayers at wakes too. I always admired him because everyone knew what a good person and father he was. You all will be remembered in my prayers.
Cathy Pickens
September 22, 2021
My sincere condolences to Pete's family. So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.
william frye
September 22, 2021
Knew Pete for at least 50 years( mutual friend of Nick Tangorra) and use of his services. (too many times) Will miss him at the Legion Wednesday morning coffee.
Judy and Mark Welshon-Wiemer
September 22, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the Kristan family. So many families have had the pleasure of knowing his kindness. He truly was a humble and caring man to all.
Nancy and John Sobon
September 22, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Debby Sonka
September 22, 2021
He was an amazing man who was thoughtful and made wakes and funerals for the people who lost loved ones very special. He will be missed thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends
Hernandez Family
September 22, 2021
So sorry for your loss. We will always remember Pete as a kind and loving man. He has been missed and will always be missed at 7:30 mass
Ray Reidel
September 22, 2021
Pete was a true gentleman and a friend of our family for many years going back to the days he was on the fire department with my Dad . My sympathy to the family. He will be missed.
Mercedes Chmura
September 22, 2021
Pete was a good husband, father and friend to many My family and I are proud to have known him as well as members of the family, He will be missed by many, but I know that his place in heaven is covered in roses for all the good deeds that he did here in our midst. Our deepest sympathies and many prayers to the Kristan Family.
Joyce Aparo (Berg)
September 22, 2021
I am so sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Kristan. Thoughts and prayer to his family and God Bless.
Cathy & Mark Parrish
September 22, 2021
Kristan Family, your Dad was a great man. Always smiling, always kind. It is easy to see why you were all so devoted to him as he truly deserved it. God Bless Pete and your wonderful family.
Diane Michel
September 22, 2021
Gone but never forgotten ❤
Anne and Konrad gerstenbrand
September 22, 2021
Our condolences to Pete's family. He was a fixture at our Wednesday morning coffee. always enjoying his coffee and a longjohn or two. Pete you will be missed
Marcia LaMagdeleine - Patience
September 21, 2021
I am so sorry for this huge loss to your family. May God Bless you all and may all your memories be a blessing. Pete was such a help to everyone in our family in our time of need. Sending condolences and prayers to your family.
Mary Ellen Deprey
September 21, 2021
It’s hard to say goodbye to a dad granddad and a great grandad. Memories never die. They will always be in your hearts. He is enjoying Eternal Life. God bless the family.
Martin Phelan
September 21, 2021
He was a man of honor that proved he loved his family, friends and his country. God Bless! He will be missed by many.
Mark and Laurie Adams
September 21, 2021
Sue, we are so sorry to hear of your dad’s death. No matter what age, it is hard to lose a parent. Mark and I are sending prayers to your entire family.
David Robison
September 21, 2021
Mr Kristan Was such soft hearted , great accomplished man , with an incredible sense of humor . I enjoyed talking with him many times about his incredible military career , condolences to the Kristan family , he will be missed .
Anita & Jim Karwowski
September 21, 2021
We were neighbors who lived on Wellington. Pete would like to whistle from the funeral home to the house. Our youngest child at that time would hear Pete. Get on the lower part of the fence so he could see Pete from a broken spot in the fence. Pete made his day when he would came and talked to him.Pete was also my boss for many years so I have many stories. He was the kindest, funny, generous man and always loved his family.
RIP Pete from the Karwowski family
Deacon Bob and Sue Poletto
September 21, 2021
Mr. Kristan was a kind and generous human being. Our community will certainly miss his presence. He was a mentor and great example to all who knew him. We were blessed to have known him and sorry that he’s no longer with us. RIP. With love.
Patti Farber
September 21, 2021
Kevin and family, We are so sorry for your great loss. It was always a comfort to see you and your Dad at Kristan's over the years. He was a great man and will be missed by many.
David Fenwick
September 21, 2021
I am so deeply saddened for your loss. Heaven gained one of the finest men I have ever known. Love to all.
Kenny and Linda (Hecketsweiler) Kane
September 21, 2021
The heaven just grew a little brighter as Mr. Kristan surely earned his wings. One time he would me to call him "Pete." I refused. He was and would always be "Mr. Kristan." It was a sign of respect that he had earned and deserved. It was never mentioned again.
To family, our sincere condolences . He left big shoes to fill.
LARRY LA MAGDELEINE
September 21, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our sincere condolences, Larry and Belinda La Magdeleine
Sheree Davidson
September 21, 2021
He was such a wonderful neighbor and friend to everyone on Wellington Avenue.
I have great memories of Bette and all the Kristan children. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Fondly,
Sheree Brewer Davidson
Bob Wolff
September 21, 2021
Trish I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. It sounds like he was very dedicated to his family and community. My prayers go out to you and your whole family. God bless , mailman bob
Kate Balasa
September 21, 2021
Heartfelt condolences from all the Rings. Pete was a loving, jovial, hard working pillar of the community. His legacy lives on through his family. He will be missed by all of us. Praying for your peace and comfort ❤
Nancy Madden Niewerth
September 21, 2021
I will always remember his kindness to myself and family after my Mother died in 1963 in the original funeral home on Lake st. Since then I have also witnessed his presence in many wakes and funerals over the years. His kindness and professionalism never faltered.
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
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Memorial Events
for Albert Kristan
Sep
27
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Kristan Funeral Home - Mundelein219 West Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060
Sep
28
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Santa Maria Del Popolo Church “Big Church”
116 N. Lake St, Mundelein, IL
Funeral services provided by:
Kristan Funeral Home - Mundelein219 West Maple Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060