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MICHAEL KRAFT

1935 - 2019

MICHAEL KRAFT obituary, 1935-2019, Washington, DC

BORN

1935

DIED

2019

MICHAEL KRAFT Obituary


MICHAEL BAKER KRAFT  1935 - 2019  
Michael Kraft died November 2, 2019 in Washington, DC. After years of decline due to dementia, pneumonia took him very quickly and peacefully. Immediate survivors include Elizabeth Kraft, his wife of 49 years; his daughter, Katherine Kraft of Chicago, and younger brothers, Jacob, Timothy and John Kraft.  A longtime resident of Washington, D.C. and a native of Noblesville, Indiana, he was an officer in the U.S. Navy; a journalist; a congressional staffer in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives; a political consultant; a director of development for an international medical organization; and a renovator of business and residential properties.  His love of all things Hoosier was legendary, and he was a generous friend who was quick to offer advice, a job connection or a place to stay. For years he was a weekly driver of McKenna's Wagon, a food truck that fed Washington's homeless population. He ran his first marathon on his 50th birthday and became a passionate rower on the Potomac River. He was devoted father, proud father-in-law and joyful grandfather of two girls. He will be remembered for his customary farewell to friends and family: "Go forth and do good."  A memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 16 at 11 a.m. at Foundry United Methodist Church at 1500 16th St, NW, Washington, DC 20036. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any remeberences be made in the form of gifts to the International Rescue Committee (rescue.org) or Martha's Table (marthastable.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for MICHAEL KRAFT

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6 Entries

Michael Burke

June 20, 2024

Micha Kraft was the AA when I worked for congressman Sharp. I recall his humor the best. " It was nice, but not Noblesville".

December 2, 2019

Betsy, my warmest sympathies to you and your family on your loss.

Gina Maccoby

Jim Vaughn

November 14, 2019

Betsy, please accept our sincere condolences. My late wife, Patricia, and I have wonderful memories of our time with you and Mike, including visiting both Mike's old family home in Noblesville and your lovely home in DC. Pat had especially strong connections with Mike when they were colleagues at Project Hope's former Washington offices. Our hope for peace goes out to you.

Kind regards, Jim Vaughn

Doug Gustafson

November 10, 2019

I remember Mike as being the most gentle and civilized of the scullers at TBC. What a good, nice, guy. Such a loss.

John Harmon

November 9, 2019

Betsy

Love to you

November 7, 2019

Oh, Betsy, I'm so sorry! You and Mike have been through so much together!
Love,
Becky Jones

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Memorial Events
for MICHAEL KRAFT

Nov

16

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

Foundry United Methodist Church

1500 16th St, NW, Washington, DC

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