Gretchen Call

1939 - 2021

Gretchen (Kruse) Call passed away on April 20th, 2021, at the age of 81 at her home in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Gretchen was born to Arthur Henry Kruse and Marion Talbot (Willis) Kruse in Akron, Ohio on December 27th, 1939. She had two sons, Christopher Arthur Call of Deerfield, Illinois and Douglas Foster Call of Seattle, Washington. Gretchen was very fond of her two daughters-in-law, Amy Beth Call (Chris) and Jennifer Isabel Call (Doug), and she treasured her five grandchildren: Abigail Monroe Call (16), Talbot Lily Call (14), Wesley Gainor Call (12), Charles Robert Call (12) and Josephine Francis Call (10). Her brother, Stephen Kruse preceded her passing in 2010. Other surviving family include her niece Mary Katherine Abercrombie and great niece Isla Abercrombie. Gretchen was best known throughout her career as a widely respected meeting and event planner for numerous organizations in the Chicago area. She channeled her enthusiasm for organizing a good party and entertaining others, which enabled her to travel and build many friendships along the way. After retiring, she enjoyed time with her family and friends, her cats, traveling, reading/watching mysteries, and spoiling her grandchildren when their parents weren't looking. No funeral service will be held in accordance with her wishes and due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to one of the organizations which were dear to her: Orphans of the Storm (www.orphansofthestorm.org); Heifer International (www.heifer.org); or Population Services International (www.psi.org). For info please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home at 847-831-4260 or www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com