Anatole Crane

Anatole Crane age 89, of Barrington Hills passed away September 3, 2022.

Anatole was the most cherished friend and dearest partner of Sharron Andresen; the devoted father of Leonard (Carrie) and Joyce (Mark); proud grandfather of Anna (Jordan), Julia (Maxwell), Joshua, and Madeleine (Ryan); adoring great-grandfather of Nora and Sadie; loving brother-in-law to Joyce; and fond uncle of Aaron (Kathleen) and Brian.

He was preceded in death by Martha, his college sweetheart and beloved wife of 45 years; his loving parents, Anna and Isadore; and devoted brother, Eugene.

Anatole grew up in Chicago and was a lifelong passionate Cubs fan, enjoying World Series in 1945 and especially 2016.

Anatole earned his BS Degree in Microbiology and MS in Dairy Microbiology from the University of Illinois, PhD in Microbiology from the University of Indiana, and MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Dr. Crane had a long and successful career as a food scientist for Quaker Oats in Barrington and UOP in Des Plaines.

He was an avid fisherman, who especially enjoyed sharing the outdoors with family and friends.  Anatole and Sharron enjoyed a shared love of birding, classical music, theater, and travelling the world.

Anatole practiced a commitment to our environment and a better future for his children and grandchildren. He was a fervent believer in being welcoming and supportive of all people. An active member of his community, Anatole served as Fox River Grove school board president and Board President of Family Alliance in Woodstock. For many years he tutored and mentored local residents learning English as a second language. An experienced caregiver, Anatole co-authored “Dementia Caregivers Share Their Stories: A Support Group in a Book”. In 2004, Anatole was proud to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Illinois Department on Aging for “outreach to caregivers…his commitment to seniors, and the sheer number of his volunteer hours”.

Anatole supported the work of many organizations, making frequent donations and often marching in support of efforts to tackle climate change and reduce gun violence.

Memorial contributions may be made to International Crane Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association .