It’s with profound gratitude that we honor the life of a true pillar of Crystal Lake, Illinois.

On June 6th, 2026, we lost Edna McCall, a visionary business owner, a tireless community leader, and the beloved co-founder of The Flag Store.

Edna’s journey of loving investment in our city began over 50 years ago. In 1975, alongside her husband Doug, she opened The Print Shop on Williams Street. But Edna didn’t just operate a business. She wove herself into the very fabric of our community. She served on the Chamber of Commerce board and helped launch the Ambassador’s Program, an initiative that continues to welcome and support local businesses more than 45 years later.

When the retail landscape shifted in the late 190s and 1990s, Edna didn’t stand by. She personally researched and championed the Main Street program. Because of her relentless, door-to-door dedication, Crystal Lake became the second community in Illinois to achieve the prestigious Main Street designation (which it carries to this day). She went on to serve as its very first president, working behind the scenes and even personally funding travel and donating printing services to ensure our downtown thrived.

As a member of the Raue Family estate committee, Edna’s stewardship helped secure millions in donations to renovate the Raue Center for the Arts and establish the Downtown Crystal Lake office. It was also Edna’s vision that brought us the beautiful Raue Memorial Clock. She and Doug even traveled to Massachusetts at their own expense to supervise its construction, bringing home a landmark that remains the most recognizable symbol of our downtown.

Edna McCall gave her time, energy, and love to Crystal Lake without expecting anything in return. As we walk through our vibrant downtown, pass beneath the historic clock, or see the flags flying, we are looking at Edna’s living legacy.

Thank you, Edna, for teaching us what it truly means to serve. You will be deeply missed.

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Thank you to Bruce Mazurkiewicz for writing this beautiful tribute, and to Edna’s son John (who carries on The Flag Store) for sharing the photographs of Edna.