Joseph Cragan

Joseph M. Cragan, 65, of Barrington, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 26, 2013, in the loving care of his family.

He was born August 7, 1947, in Rockford, son of Clarence and Florence Cragan. He graduated from Boylan High School in Rockford, class of 1965, and earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Northern Illinois University. He married Barbara Kryst on August 16, 1969.

Over his 34-year career as a teacher, counselor, and Director of Guidance at Barrington High School, he enriched the lives of generations of students and built lifetime friendships with dozens of teachers and colleagues. After retiring from Barrington High School, he extended his career as a guidance counselor at Libertyville High School. He also taught for many years at Harper College and Roosevelt University. He, his wife Barb, and their two daughters traveled the world, always happy to bring family and friends along on each adventure.

With bravery and grace, Joe fought an aggressive five-year battle with appendiceal cancer and still lived every day to its fullest. In his last days, he joyfully welcomed and gave great comfort to family and friends who came to bid him farewell.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Jessica (Chris) Wollmuth of Oak Park, Clare Cragan (John Bernetich) of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren, Annie and Cate Wollmuth; siblings, John (Elizabeth) Cragan of Minneapolis, MN, June (Charles) Bratina of Rockford, and Mary (Dennis) Arnold of Rockford; sisters-in-law, Angela Cragan of Orlando, FL, Theresa (Dennis) Fertig of Grayslake, Gloria (John) Novotny of Western Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, James.

The Mass of Christian burial for Joseph Cragan will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 1, at St. Anne Church, 120 N. Ela St. (at the corner of Franklin St.), Barrington, where there will be visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be private in Mount Auburn Cemetery, Stickney.

There will also be a visitation from 4-9 p.m., Friday, May 31, at the Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main St. (Lake-Cook Road), Barrington.

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