Arlene Ann Kaatz

Not long after the sun set on February 23rd, 2026, Arlene Ann (Bonk) Kaatz peacefully joined the angels she was so wanting to see. Known for her perfect white smile and boundless kindness, empathy, and compassion, Arlene touched everyone with her gentle, welcoming spirit. She was a devoted Christian her entire life.

Arlene was born September 5th, 1952. She was raised on the south side of Chicago by her parents Jim and Mary (Bucz) Bonk in a hard working, loving family with older sister Kathy and younger brother Jim. After high school she worked as a lab tech and traveled around the country. She became friends with a coworker, Kim. At a house party Arlene met Kim's brother Kraig. Arlene married the love of her life Kraig on August 13th, 1977. They moved to Oak Forest, IL where they built a loving, joyous home.

Throughout life Arlene was a caregiver. As she battled through her own health journey, she cared for her husband Kraig until he passed last May. Visiting nursing homes or assisted living communities gave her great joy. She found great fulfillment helping the elderly and volunteering. No one was a stranger. The lady at the post office, the boy collecting carts in the parking lot, and anyone in a line with her were considered friends.

She found relaxation in being busy! Mowing the yard, planting flowers, vacuuming, and washing the floor were not chores, but a sense of satisfaction. Her bird feeder was always full. She loved being outside her entire life, sunbathing in the backyard, hunting pheasants with her dad, sitting in the goose blind with her husband, and she always had time to drive her boys to a local fishing hole. She cherished spending hours on trails picking wildflowers while they fished. Arlene walked countless miles through the neighborhood over the years. A steadfast champion of her boys' adventures, travels, and passions growing up, she encouraged their independence and curiosity, trusting fully in the personal growth that comes from pursuing their dreams—and her unwavering support and approval helped nurture those interests into a thriving full-time business.

Perhaps her greatest joy was becoming Gram Kaatz to her granddaughters Ellarose and Emmarie; being a grandma was a dream come true. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, sister, and friend. She was known as Auntie R to many nieces and nephews. She loved her neighbors in Oak Forest and at Addington Place of Clinton and made a lasting impact on all.

Arlene is survived by her sons Kyle (Lorie) Kaatz and Kellen Kaatz, granddaughters Ellarose and Emmarie, her brother Jim (Cheryl) Bonk, brother-in-law Robert Chamberlain, brother-in-law Raymond Kaatz, sister-in-law Kim (Mark) Solone, many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Kraig Kaatz, her infant twins son Aaron and daughter Jamie, her parents Jim and Mary, her sister Kathy, her in-laws Beverly and Otto "Poley" Kaatz, and her sister-in-law Kathie.

A Celebration of Life will be held March 6th, 3pm-6pm at Law Jones Funeral Home, 309 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL 61074. Instead of flowers/gifts, please fill your bird feeder and plant some flowers for the butterflies; Arlene's spirit will join you in enjoying them!