About
John Kraft Obituary
PRINCEVILLE - John Anton Kraft, 70, of Princeville died at 9:24 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at his residence.
He was born March 31, 1941, in Princeville, the son of Johan Anton and Helen Louise Stickling Kraft. He married Judith Ann Heninger on June 20, 1964, in Peoria at St. Philomena Catholic Church.
Judy survives, along with his mother of Princeville; three sons, Eric (Jeanine) Kraft, Kyle (Tina) Kraft and John (Megan) Kraft III, all of Princeville; five grandchildren, Jordan, Nicholas, Payton, Jackson and Camden; one sister, Joann (Shelby) Kraft of Princeville; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Scott Anthony Kraft; and one sister, Carol Roberts.
John attended school in Princeville and graduated from Bradley University in 1963, with a bachelor of science in business.
He served in the U.S. Army Reserves, receiving an honorable discharge in 1969.
John took over his father's fertilizer business in 1966 and also farmed in the Princeville area until retiring in 1991. While in the fertilizer business, he was on the board of directors of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association and served on numerous regional and national committees for the fertilizer industry.
He was a founding member of the Princeville Lions Club and was instrumental in the formation of the Princeville Heritage Museum. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11361.
His hobbies included car collecting, hunting and fishing, but most of all, he enjoyed his family and grandchildren.
He was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011. The Rev. Father Patrick Riordan will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the St. Mary of the Woods Parish Hall, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. A private family graveside service will take place in St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Akron-Princeville Ambulance Service or to the Akron-Princeville Fire Department.
Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home in Princeville is in charge of arrangements.
Private condolences may be sent to the family via www.hammitt-hott.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elizabeth Westart-Elliott
November 30, 2011
Eric and family...so sorry to hear about your fathers passing..it is so hard to lose a parent. My heart goes out to you. Keep love in your heart and he will always be near. God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Andreas Kappes
November 24, 2011
The Krafts from Germany:
We are very sorry to hear of John's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Amanda Swofford
November 15, 2011
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Kraft family, John will be greatly missed by all of us. God Bless his family in this time of need.
Andy & Mary Cipri
November 11, 2011
Dear Judy and Family, we are so sorry and want you to know that you are in our prayers, Mary and Kelly also send their sympathy.
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Karen Dell Spring
November 9, 2011
Judy and family: I was very sorry to hear of John's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Valerie Massman
November 9, 2011
Dear Judy, Eric, Kyle, John and families,
I was so saddened to hear of John's passing. My Mom had told me he was in a terrible fight with the beast cancer. I will always remember him as a pillar of strength in our church and the community of Princeville.
You must remember that he will always live on in your heart. Cherish all the wonderful memories you have; I pray they will give you some comfort at this dark time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Valerie (Bridson) Massman
Columbia, MO
November 9, 2011
Judy & family:
Carolyn and I celebrate the good life of John. He and I did business at the bank in Princeville and we did spend other times together.
You and each member of your family are in our thoughts and prsyers.
Dick & Carolyn Mac Millan
Sarasota, FL
robert hinton
November 9, 2011
We are so shocked to hear that John has passed away. We recall all the fun times we had together when we dated and spent time together when our children were younger. Our sympathy to Judy and your sons and their families. Bob and Verla Hinton, Springfield, Ill.
November 8, 2011
Judy and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of John's passing. He was a remarkable business man and friend to all. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Rob and Janette Dunn
Dennis and Tammy Reicheneker
November 7, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to the Kraft family.I have many fond memories of talking and fishing with John. He was a wonderful person.
November 7, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kraft family on the passing of a wonderful soul. He was a staple in my dad's hardware store, we looked forward to his visits and thoroughly enjoyed his conversation and advice. He will be greatly missed.
Wendell and Sarah Carter
Frank Kraft
November 7, 2011
It is with heavy heart we learned of John's passing. As I am the oldest of Joe Kraft John was they oldest of Tony Kraft. Our prayers go out to Aunt Helen ,Judy and the rest of the family. Were it not that I had internal surgery we would be there but we will be there in prayer and thoughts. May God bless all the Krafts from both families.
Duane and Cindy Eberle
November 7, 2011
So sorry to hear of John's passing. John has touched so many lives in such a wonderful way. John may be gone from the physical world but will live forever in our hearts.
Jenna Escalante (Eberle)
November 7, 2011
I have so many great memories as a kid with John. Taking me to get candy at the gas station, riding with him in the SC Homecoming parade, going fishing at the lake..He was one of the greatest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My deepest sympathies are with Judy, Eric, Kyle, Johnny and the rest of the family. You are all in my prayers.
Lyn Eberle
November 7, 2011
"Big Guy" will be missed by all. We are so sorry for his loss and The Kraft family has our deepest sympathies.
The Lyn Eberle Family
November 7, 2011
Helen, Judy, Joann and all family, we are sorry for your loss and our thought, hearts, and prayers are with you all.
Lorraine and Dane
Teri & Patrick Doubet
November 7, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Jackson talked about Papa John all the time :) Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
November 7, 2011
Judy and Family:
I am very sorry for your loss.
Debbie Duckworth
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