The Chicago production family was stunned and saddened to learn that 44-year-old Producer and Post-Production Supervisor, Katie Hoban passed away suddenly at the beginning of this month, on January 4, 2022. Katie was the daughter of Kathleen Johnston and Michael Hoban.
Adjectives that come to mind when describing Hoban are “lovely and spirited,” “a positive force,” and a “true gem.”
A rabid Cubs and Bears fan, Hoban attended Prospect High School, DePaul University, and graduated from Columbia College with a degree in Marketing and Event Production as well as a degree in Marketing Communication. She was an Honor Student, a member of the Student Chapter of the American Advertising Organization, and a Representative for the Student Organization Council.
After graduating from Columbia College, Hoban had no problems acquiring a job and worked at Avenue Edit for two years as a Producer where she planned a wide assortment of company events and screenings. Some of her past clients include Leo Burnett, Carol H. Williams, Burrell, DRAFTFCB, and Element 79.
She quickly began making a name for herself in the Chicago area and worked for Audio Recording Unlimited, Service Station Media, NoiseFloor, LTD, and Pinnacle Advertising and Marketing Group where she was a self-proclaimed, “Post Production guru” before launching her own production company Katie Hoban Productions in 2019.
Her website exhibits her work with clients including WeatherTech, Volvo of Overland Park, and Motor Werks Auto Group.
Hoban had a hand in producing a couple of short films and she worked in the sound department on several more short films, as well as two full-length films and two episodes of the 2016 television series The Jamz which starred Kathy Najimy and David Pasquesi.
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She leaves behind her beloved son, Jack Michael Murray. According to her obituary, “Her biggest joy was being Jack’s mom… She loved watching sports, the Bears and Cubs and Michigan. Coaching Jack’s baseball and basketball teams were her favorite sporting outlet. Katie will be remembered for her love of family, her generous spirit, her wit, ne’er a negative thought…and oh, her crazy poetry.”
Hoban also leaves behind her step-father Michael Johnston and his extended family as well as several cousins with whom she was as close as siblings.
Our Reel 360 editor, Colin Costello, had this to say about Hoban, “When I lived in Chicago you could always depend on Katie to join you for a drink with her infectious smile and laughter. She was a joy and I’m devastated to hear about her death.”
Memorial Visitation is scheduled for today, January 18, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Friedrichs Funeral Home. Friedrichs is located at 320 W. Central Road at Northwest Highway in Mount Prospect. Interment will be private.
Masks are required to be worn to the visitation. Reel Chicago extends our condolences to the Hoban family.
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