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Avram Kraft Obituary

Dr. Avram R. Kraft, age 85. Beloved husband of Kerana Gladstone Kraft. Loving father of Rachel (Douglas Brown) Kraft, Adam Kraft (Partner in life Lois Miller) and father-in-law of the late Michael Maggio. Cherished brother of Robert (Dr. Dana Blumberg) Kraft and Elizabeth (Peter Levine) Kraft Levine and brother-in-law of the late Myra Kraft. Adored brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, colleague, and friend. Dear step-grandfather of Ben Maggio, Brittany Brown (Jose Manuel Astudillo), Stephen Brown (Laura Rosenbaum Brown) and Meredith Brown (Max Wertheimer) and step-great-grandfather of Eliana, Teodoro (Teo), Santiago (Santi) and Nicholas (Nico) Astudillo Brown and Lily Brown. A native son of New England, Avram R. Kraft was born, raised, and educated in Brookline, Massachusetts; Wells, Maine; New York City, NY; Columbus, Ohio and Burlington, Vermont. Avram served in the United States Navy in Bethesda, Maryland before entering academic medicine at the University of Illinois and providing care at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. In the 1980s, he went into the private practice of general surgery in Highland Park, Illinois. Avram taught Compassion in Medical Care at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Evanston, Illinois and upon retiring from surgery in 2000, founded and chaired the Center for Compassion in Medical Care at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare. He was a perennial student of medicine, ethics, and ancient texts. Avram was an early advocate of hospice and palliative care. He chaired both the Ethics and Hospice committees at Highland Park Hospital where he also served as Secretary of the Medical Staff. In 2017, Avram published A Commitment to Compassion: Lessons from a Life of Service. After 40 years of living on Chicago’s Northshore, Avram and his wife Kerana moved to Boca Raton, Florida. Service Friday 11AM at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, 1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Suburban Synagogue Beth El, www.nssbethel.org; Congregation Kehillath Israel, https://congki.org/give/ 384 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446; B'nai Torah Congregation, https://www.btcboca.org/giving/ 6261 SW 18th Street, Boca Raton, FL 33433; or the Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism, https://offers.kraftse.com/offers/fcas-combat-antisemitism, c/o FCAS - 75 Washington Street, Foxborough, MA 02035. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jul. 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Avram Kraft

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Debbie Federman

April 23, 2024

Dr. Kraft took care of me when I needed surgery. He was the kindest and most caring human being. I am a RN at HPH and know that he was one of the most respected doctors on staff. A one in a million. May his memory always be a blessing ..

CYNTHIA ZUSEL

April 23, 2024

In September of 1992 I met Dr. Kraft at Highland Park Hospital for surgery. I still remember and talk about his kindness and compassion. He was one of the great ones and I will never forget him. May he rest is peace.
Kind regards, Cynthia Zusel, Boynton Beach Florida

Brookline High School Class of 1956

January 14, 2024

Brookline High School Class of 1956 Alumni send their deepest condolences to Dr. Avram R. Kraft ‘56, to his beloved wife Kerana Gladstone Kraft. Loving father of Rachel Kraft, (Douglas Brown), Adam Kraft (Partner in life Lois Miller) brother of Robert (Dr. Dana Blumberg) Kraft ’59, Elizabeth Kraft Levine ‘62, Myra Kraft and Family and Friends. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Linda and Mel Feldman

September 16, 2023

We heard of it I have friends passing a while ago and tried to get in touch with you, Kerina, but to no avail so we are sending our condolences through this site. We are so so sorry for your loss and wish we had kept in touch. We always thought of both of you and her. So sorry that you were going through this sad time. Our condolences to everyone in your family.
Love, Linda and Mel Feldman

Steven Field

August 12, 2023

Although we were medical colleagues, I didn't know Av very well. I was introduced to him by Kerana, who I had worked with at Evanston Hospital several years ago. Over the years, I recall bumping into Av three times, oddly enough all involving food (two grocery stores and a restaurant). Maybe not so odd for two somewhat older Jewish guys. What stands out in my memory is how each time, despite not knowing me that well, he greeted me as if I was a treasured old friend. He radiated warmth and kindness. I sensed there was something special about this man. When I later learned about his dedication to teaching compassion in medicine, I was not at all surprised. Clearly that was who he was.

Ellyn Mayer RN, CNOR, CPSN (ret)

July 29, 2023

When Dr. Kraft joined the surgical staff at HPH, I was the nurse who circulated for his first surgery. I remember feeling apprehensive because I didn´t know what his preferences were, as all doctors have their own ideas of what they need. I remember him telling me "don´t worry, I´ll use anything you give me." That wasn´t quite the case, but we managed to get through the surgery with no issues. He was very nice to work with, and we formed a bond that lasted until he retired from surgery. I hadn´t seen him in a few years, when he came up behind me, and planted a kiss on my cheek! It was wonderful to think that he remembered & acknowledged me that way.
He was a wonderful, caring man who I was privileged to work with. May his memory be for a blessing for his family and all who knew him.

Lisa Abrams MSN, RN

July 28, 2023

I worked with Dr. Kraft my entire hospital career at HPK on the surgical floor and then the ER. He was a wonderful doctor with a wonderful bedside manner. I will never forget his compassion and guidance personally helping me through the unexpected passing of my brother at HPK. He had a special gift. To his family my condolences. May his memory be a blessing,

Michelle Myers Glower

July 27, 2023

Dr. Kraft always would make time and say hello to all the ER staff at HPK ER in the 80's we all loved him for his gentle soul. Michelle Myers Glower MSN, RN

Sandy Amidei

July 26, 2023

Dr Kraft was an exceptional doctor and the nicest man. It was great working with him. Rest in peace. My condolences to the family.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Your Lookingglass Family

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Kathi Brown

Planted Trees

Livia Greenberg and Michael Libenson

July 22, 2023

Livia and I are constantly thinking of the heavy loss that you feel with Avram´s passing. We send special hugs and comfort to our dearest friend Elizabeth, as we look forward to better times.
May Avram´s memory always give you strength in the days to come.
Livia and Mike

Myron L. "Mike" Wasserman

July 22, 2023

Kerana and family....My heart goes out to yourself and your family on this loss.

Although I only knew Avrum personally for 4 years, we had much common ground, like growing up in the same neighborhood, attending the same Grammar School, riding the same trolley, and later, the New England Patriots, Boca West CC, and Company A .
He and Kerana were Sunday regulars at the Boca West Sports Bar. I drove him weekly to Company A breakfasts. Just talking with him personally enhanced my life. Like countless others, I will always treasure his memory....Respectfully , Myron L. "Mike" Wasserman

Herman Wexler

July 22, 2023

Dear Kerena, Please accept my condolences. I thought highly of Avram and was proud to be considered a friend. It is too bad that we haven't been able to see each other within recent times. Herman Wexler

Gerald Moss

July 21, 2023

To Kerana, Rachel, Adam and the entire Kraft family.


I just now received a message from County Hospital friends informing me about your loss. Avrom and I worked closely together for about a decade. As a clinician, he was meticulous in understanding the nature of the presenting illness but went much further into understanding who the patient really was. In the operating room, he was highly skilled, and the residents appreciated learning at his side.

Wilma and I have happy memories as neighbors on Antique Lane in the 1970s. One in particular was the annual Sukkah you built and invited Rachel,s friends to attend.

Again our condolences,

Wilma and Jerry

Lou Sandler

July 21, 2023

Avram was a very special person who I got to know when he joined Company A. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Lou Sandler

Linda and Mel Feldman

July 21, 2023

To The Kraft Family
We are deeply saddened at your loss
Thinking of you at this time
Fondly, Linda and Mel Feldman

Louis Sandler

July 21, 2023

At am was a wonderful person and I was fortunate to have know him as a member of Company A.

Vernon Kurtz

July 21, 2023

Bryna and I send our condolences from Jerusalem to the entire family. Avram was a student of Torah and lived its lessons in a most compassionate and meaningful way. His memory will always serve as a blessing to all who knew him . May the family be comforted among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. Rabbi Vernon Kurtz

Allison Kamen

July 20, 2023

Dr. Kraft was an amazing person. I have wonderful memories of his smiling face at Beth El growing up. He was unbelievably helpful when one of my family members was ill and that was so appreciated. My condolences to the entire family and community. May his memory be a blessing.

Sheldon & Goldie Holznan

July 20, 2023

Please accept our most sincere condolences to the entire Kraft family. May you only remember the good times and laughter.

Respectfully
Sheldon & Goldie Holzman

Linda FItzpatrick

July 20, 2023

Please accept our deepest sympathy to your entire family. Dr. Kraft was both my mother´s and my physician. He was truly a one of a kind healer!! May his memory be of a blessing . Linda Ehrenreich

Molly Beran

July 20, 2023

Sending my deepest condolences to you and your entire family, Rachel. Your friends at Lookingglass are holding you and your family in our hearts and prayers.

Lauren Kronish Klayman

July 20, 2023

Rachel, Doug and all of your family, our deepest condolences during this time of mourning. What a gift your father was to you and to so many. May his memory remain always for a blessing.

Jerry & Georgie Suttin

July 20, 2023

Dear Kerana, Rachel, Adam, and family,
It was a blessing to have Avram in my life. He was a wonderful friend and advisor, always with a smile and kind thoughts. Georgie and I send our love and sincere condolences. He will be deeply missed.
Jerry Suttin

Toby and Larry Hollander

July 20, 2023

We were saddened and sorry to hear about Avram's death. He was a wonderful man and a truly caring physican. Toby and Larry Hollander

Bill Gertz BethEL, Highland Park

July 19, 2023

May his memory be for a blessing!

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Jul

21

Service

11:00 a.m.

North Suburban Synagogue Beth El

1175 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel

8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224

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