Joseph W. Kroenert

Joseph (Joe) Walter Kroenert, devoted husband, loving father, and lifelong teacher, passed away on November 20th, 2025, at the age of 94. He was born in Chicago on June 3rd, 1931 to Walter and Anna Kroenert.

Joe grew up in the West Beverly neighborhood of Chicago. He received a Bachelor's in Education from Chicago Teachers College and was drafted into the Army. After completing his service, he met his wife, Patricia (Pat) at a workshop for school teachers, and was married within a year. He went on to receive his Master's in Education from Northeastern University.

Joe taught for 40 years in the Chicago Public Schools, much of it at Kinzie Elementary School, and had a passion for educating his middle school students. He founded an after school club focused on picking stocks and tracking their performance which he continued for years. Congressman William O. Lipinski recognized this passion by awarding Joe the Teacher Merit Award in 1984.

Together Joe and Pat raised three children instilling the values of hard work, education, and family. Even in his nineties, Joe had the energy to endlessly entertain his two young grandchildren. It was not uncommon to see him kneeling on the floor engaged in all manner of play.

A lifelong travel enthusiast who took an eight week European honeymoon, in retirement Joe and Pat took up travel as a hobby exploring all corners of the world. Together they visited every continent except Antarctica, exploring Thailand, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the Galápagos Islands, Iceland, and Malta. They enjoyed cruises, hiking Machu Picchu, and learning about new cultures.

If you were to spend time with Joe, you would immediately sense how kind and unassuming he was, but also his underlying wit and intelligence. Joe was a voracious reader and had an encyclopedic knowledge of World War II. Ever sharp as a tack, he stayed well versed in current events. He loved playing golf, and enjoyed walking 9 holes until his last round this season.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia Kroenert, and his children Laura De Loera (Moises) of Elgin, Justin Kroenert of Willowbrook, and Alicia Braun (Ryan) of Chicago, and his beloved grandchildren Hunter and Julien. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald Kroenert.

Funeral Tuesday, 9:15 a.m. from Modell Funeral Home, 7710 South Cass Avenue, Darien to Our Lady of Peace Church, Mass 10:00 a.m. Int. St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation Monday 4 to 8 p.m. For info. 630-852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com