William J. Kraus, Jr., 75, was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Kotula), loving father of Karen Herbeck, devoted grandpa of Lucas and Danny Herbeck, cherished brother of Kathy (Bob) Laber of Kentucky.

Bill was a proud 1966 graduate of St. Mary's Prepatory in Orchard Lake, Michigan, where he was on the football and track teams. He was awarded All-Catholic League Honors in track. He received his Bachelors degree in English Literature from Benedictine University and then his Masters degree from Indiana University and Northeastern Illinois University. Bill was a retired English and French teacher in Indian Springs School District 109. He also went on and then retired as an adjunct instructor at Joliet Junior College. Bill will be remembered by his sense of humor and leaving no conversation "left unturned." He truly brought a spark to every conversation. He had a wealth of knowledge and became a go-to for advice. A lot of his former students would agree to this. Additionally, many had such wonderful things to say and express how he became their 'favorite teacher.' Bill has left his mark on so many people and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will take place on Monday, September 11, 2023 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet for the entombment at Holy Family Cemetery, 2501 Hobson Road, Downers Grove, Illinois 60516. The family would like to cordially invite all guests to a funeral luncheon at Traverso's Pizzeria, 2523 Plainfield-Naperville Road, Naperville, Illinois 60564, in Bill's memory as they celebrate the life of such a great man.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home and Crematorium.