Mary "Jean" Kroeger

Age 82, formerly of Joliet, Illinois and Punta Gorda, Florida and resident of Alden Courts of Shorewood, Illinois, died Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Born August 22, 1940 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Mary Jean was a daughter of Edward W. and Mary A. (Wiechern) O’Reilly. She was raised and educated in Evergreen Park and graduated from high school in 1958. On June 30, 1962, Jean married Paul H. Kroeger and together they made a home and raised a family. In 2005 she retired from Stepping Stones in Joliet where she was a dedicated employee for 20 years. Jean and Paul moved to Punta Gorda, FL and enjoyed 14 wonderful years living out their retirement there. While living in Joliet Jean was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and while in Florida she was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In addition to being a faithful Catholic her whole life Jean was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time in the sunshine, black coffee, ice cream, crossword puzzles, reading and gardening. Jean was a lifelong caregiver. She was always caring for others and she loved to celebrate! No special occasion or holiday went unrecognized by Jean. 

Jean will be greatly missed by her children: Paul H. (Carol) Kroeger of Diamond, Illinois, Edward W. (Mary Jo) Kroeger of Morris, Illinois and Mary M. (Kevin) Sepulveda of Shorewood; grandchildren: Timm (Jennifer) Kroeger, Robert Kroeger, Joseph Kroeger, Daniel Kroeger, Jessica Kroeger, Heather Kroeger, Lauren Sepulveda, Landon Sepulveda and Liam Anderson; one great granddaughter, Lyla Kroeger; sisters: Nancy Corless of Florida, Karen (Vincent) Solano of Lisle, Illinois, and Janet Murray and Joanell (Francis) Zawaski, both of Evergreen Park; one sister-in-law, Linda O’Reilly of Missouri and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as several cousins.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Herbert and Margaret Kroeger; husband Paul (2016); brother, James O’Reilly and brothers-in-law: Jerry Corless, Robert Murray and Ralph Kroeger.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Avenue in Shorewood on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jean’s memory to: Stepping Stones in Joliet, IL.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Jean’s memorial page online through social media.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Alden Courts of Shorewood for their dedicated and loving care over the past two years. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory (815-634-2125)