La Grange, IL - Michelle Sienko Kram, age 62 of Chicago, IL, left this world on Nov. 27, 2025 after facing ALS like a tenacious Amazon and refusing to let it define her. She was a spark-plug with a vast community of friends, family and co-workers who loved her positive spirit and zest for life. She warmed, and eventually ran, every room she entered. She was a dedicated wife, a stalwart mother, a responsive friend and sister, a world traveler, an impressive fundraiser, a prolific gardener, an energetic athlete and an astute business professional.

Michelle was born in Minneapolis and raised in Richfield. She was the youngest of five sisters and one brother, and spoke fluent Minnesotan. She began her education at Woodlake kindergarten, St. Peter's School and the Academy of Holy Angels. Then she earned a business degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School.

In 1990, she relocated to Chicago to join friends and advance her career. She bought a house in LaGrange for "the nice breeze off the lake" and created a beautiful garden by giving plants the care they needed. She was a friendly yet serious competitor in tennis, pickleball, softball, basketball, volleyball, board games or cards, and delighted in sending your croquet ball into the weeds. She also didn't understand why anyone would leave the ski slopes before dark.

She met her best half, Ed down the block and they married in 2001. She immediately became a tremendous stepmom before the arrival of two more children from Guatemala. At the same time, she developed deep community roots through multiple neighborhood and work friend groups. When ALS struck, she didn't let that slow her down. She continued traveling, living with gusto, and even raised 225k dollars for ALS charities.

Michelle is preceded in death by parents, Edward and Phyllis Sienko, and in-laws Bob Dillard, Paul Kram Jr. and Matthew Kram. Survived by her spouse, Edward Kram, and beloved children, Katherine Kram (Joel Bittner), Andrew Kram (Caitlin Zirzow), Daniel Kram (Rachel Briones), Gustavo Kram, Gabriela Kram; siblings Annette Sienko Dillard, Kathleen Sienko (Murray) Wachtel, Deb Sienko Fox (Ben Morales), Richard (Roxanne) Sienko, Mary Sienko, Joanne Sienko (Michael) Ott; in-laws Peter Kram (Anne Grayhack), Susan Kram (Don) Kumler, Phillip Kram, Daniel Kram, Joan Kram (Kent McLauglin); many dear nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Michelle's celebration of life will be held in Chicago, March 27-28. Visitation will be 3/27 at 4:00pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W 55th Street Countryside, IL 60525. Memorial Service will be 3/28 at Saint Francis Xavier Church, 124 N. Spring Ave La Grange, IL 60525, from 10:30am - 11:30am. www.hjfunerals.com

To be with her was to have joy and be seen and loved. Our world is less without her. Memorials preferred to an ALS organization or your chosen charity.