Joan Kroc

Joan Kroc (1928-2003), born as Joan Beverly Mansfield, was an American philanthropist and the third wife of Ray Kroc, the founder of the McDonald's Corporation. She was known for her significant charitable contributions, particularly towards health and peace-related causes.

Early Life

Joan Kroc was born in West St. Paul, Minnesota on August 27, 1928. She was raised in a modest family and worked as a piano player at a local radio station before meeting Ray Kroc.

Marriage to Ray Kroc

Joan Kroc met Ray Kroc in 1957 while he was still married to his second wife. They married in 1969, after his divorce was finalized. During their marriage, Ray Kroc amassed a fortune as the owner of the McDonald's Corporation, which he had purchased in 1961.

Philanthropy

After Ray Kroc's death in 1984, Joan Kroc inherited his fortune, estimated to be worth $500 million. She became a prominent philanthropist, donating large sums to various causes. Her most notable donations include a $200 million gift to National Public Radio (NPR) and a $1.5 billion donation to The Salvation Army to build community centers across the country.

Death and Legacy

Joan Kroc died of brain cancer on October 12, 2003. Her philanthropic legacy continues through the grants and donations made by the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Centers and the Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

See Also

• Ray Kroc
• McDonald's
• Philanthropy

References

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