Arnold Karr Obituary

Karr, Arnold Francis

Arnold Francis Karr, age 92, of Glenview, previous longtime resident of

Northfield. Beloved husband of the late Patricia Ann "Pat" Karr (nee Gavin); loving father of Beth Ann (David) Levy of Glenview, Gregory Michael (Lynda) Karr of St. Charles, Gerald Thomas (Kimberly) Karr of Mount Prospect, and Adrienne Diane (David) Taylor of Chicago; cherished grandfather of Kathryn Levy (Zachary) Philpot, Alexandra Karr (Drew) Patton, Michael Levy (Megan Wyatt), Rachel Levy (Matthew Kozera), Kendall Karr, Emma Taylor, Gavin Karr, Colin Taylor, and Olivia Karr; great grandfather of Jaxson Philpot, Lincoln Philpot, Annalise Patton, Parker Patton, and Virginia Levy-Wyatt; dear brother of the late Richard Karr, and the late Walter Karr; uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Arnold, affectionately referred to as "Arnie" by many, "Dad" to others, and "Poppy" to some, infused every room he entered with a vibrant spirit. While his passing was not unexpected, the profound sorrow felt by those who knew him runs deep, symbolizing the vastness of Arnie's life, contributions, and love. Arnie possessed a remarkable quality-he never encountered a name or a personal fact he did not remember. This quality defined him as a person who, throughout his 92 years of life, never left a room without gaining a new friend. He had an exceptional ability to make everyone he met feel genuinely special and significant, because to him, they truly were.

Arnie dedicated his life to the Chicagoland area, committing himself to family, work, volunteer efforts, and community service. Born and raised in the Noble Square neighborhood of Chicago, he remained in his city to pursue higher education at DePaul University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1953. It was at DePaul where Arnie not only discovered his lifelong passion for hospitality and education but also met the love of his life, Patricia "Pat" Ann Gavin.

Upon graduation, he served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 in the Adjutant General Branch as a public information officer, stationed in both Europe and the United States. Near the end of Arnie's time in Europe, Arnie and Pat traveled together throughout France, Germany, and Italy. Arnie took great pride in serving his country and discovered a profound enthusiasm for exploring the world, especially alongside his soon-to-be wife. Their shared adventure for travel continued throughout their marriage of 61 years.

Following his separation from service, Arnie embarked on a distinguished professional journey, achieving significant milestones. He served as the Executive Secretary for the Greater Chicago Hotel Motel Association (GCHMA), eventually becoming the President of the organization he played a key role in establishing the Hotel and Motel Association of Illinois (HAMI). Notably, at the request of then Illinois Governor, James Edgar, Arnie was also appointed as a member of the White House Conference on travel and tourism.

Arnie's passion for education was not confined to his own attainment of a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations from Loyola in 1961; it was most evident in his dedication to assisting others in their educational pursuits. The Manfred Seinfeld Hospitality Management Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon him by Roosevelt University encapsulated his professional and community contributions. With lifelong board appointments and honorary directorships, everyone who encountered Arnie recognized him as a leader, mentor, educator, and a once-in-a-lifetime friend.

Although he claimed to retire in 1997 Arnie founded his own business, Karr and Associates. A telling story of Arnie is that when he was finished negotiating labor contracts, he always commended the opposite side on a battle well fought, providing feedback to help them strengthen their arguments for the future. It is only the most gracious of humans that can make the opposite side feel like they gained an ally.

In addition to his professional triumphs, Arnie undertook the responsibility of building a family and community in Northfield with Pat. They raised their children with the values of hard work, independence, and loyalty. Arnie's magnetic energy and compassion reverberated through generations as his family expanded.

In 1987, Arnie proudly embraced the role of "Poppy" with the birth of his first grandchild to be followed by eight more grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In 1961, Arnie initiated a Thanksgiving tradition that endures to this day and will continue in his legacy. When he and Pat had a young family, she needed some peace in the kitchen on a Thanksgiving morning. With very few options on the holiday morning, Arnie took his children to the Lincoln Park Zoo. There he began a beloved memory of leading his family through the Lincoln Park Conservatory and capturing a photo on the bridge. This past Thanksgiving marked the 63rd consecutive year of Poppy leading a procession of family members and friends through the zoo.

A constant theme in Arnie's life was contributing to the advancement of others. From creating a scholarship at DePaul University to overseeing boards for the hospitality industry long after retirement, his dedication to giving back to future generations was unwavering. Much like the fire o roaring in his house during winter, Arnie was a source of light and strength to his friends, family, and community. Anyone who had the immense pleasure of knowing Arnie is better because of it. He gave the world 92 years of faith, family, and laughter - and for that, we are the lucky ones.

Visitation: Thursday January 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077. A visitation will also take place on Friday January 19, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1774 Grove Street, Glenview, IL 60025. Interment: Calvary Cemetery, 301 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, IL 60202.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Arnold and Patricia Karr Hospitality Scholarship at DePaul University (https://give.depaul.edu/karr).

Info: donnellanfuneral.com or 847-675-1990.

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