Donald "Don" Kraft

EAST PEORIA - Donald "Don" Kraft, 40, of East Peoria died at 8:40 a.m. Monday, Feb. 19, 2007, in Tazewell County, Ill.

Born Dec. 29, 1966, in Mount Clemens, Mich., to Donald William and Helene Barbara Goralczyk Kraft, he married Connie Jo McCance on Jan. 31, 1992, in Peoria. They later divorced.

He was a dedicated and loving father to his son, Donald Dakota "Cody" Kraft, and his daughter, Brandi Alexis Kraft, both of East Peoria.

Also surviving are his father, Donald W. Kraft of Burlin Township, Mich.; two stepdaughters, Dominique Griffith of Peoria, Ill., and Danielle Griffith of Chicago, Ill.; one stepson, Donovan Griffith of Galesburg, Ill.; one stepgrandson, Jameson Hickman of Peoria; his girlfriend, Jayme Keith of Eureka, Ill.; one brother, Paul (Cheryl) Kraft of Lapeer, Mich.; and two sisters, Donna (Brad) Russel of Attica, Mich., and Renee Kraft of Burlin Township, Mich.; and his nephew and godson, Eric Kraft, along with many other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents.

He worked in maintenance at Mitsubishi Motors in Bloomington for 15 years. He currently served as a union steward with United Auto Workers Local 2488.

He was an active volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association and was a 40-gallon blood donor with the American Red Cross.

He also was an avid hunter.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, 2007, at Deiters Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, 2007, at the funeral home. Burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.

Memorials may be made to a memorial education fund for his children.

To send an online condolence, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com.