Frank Kraai

Mr. Kraai was my 5th grade teacher at Sheldon Woods. Us North Holland 4th graders weren´t too happy when the two schools decided to combine and we had to move to Sheldon Woods for our last year of elementary school. Having Mr. Kraai for our teacher made it all worth it! I was especially excited because he had also been my mom´s 6th grade teacher in his first year of teaching. He was the most kind, patient, fun, and caring teacher. He also loved Doritos, so anytime I had Doritos in my lunch, he´d walk by my desk and steal one. I gave him a big bag of Doritos on the last day of school! Mr. Kraai, thank you for the love you showed every single student who was blessed to have you. Your kind spirit and generosity will live on in this community for a very long time.

I´m so happy I was assigned to the annex building for 6th grade. It was his first year of teaching and he made learning so much fun. If he ever had a bad day no one knew it. I think he remembered the names of every student he had. If I ran into him somewhere years later he knew who I was. Such a nice man who (or is it whom Mr Kraai?) I was so proud to know!!

July 15, 2024

Elaine (Hamelink) VerBurg

Mr. Kraai was my 6th grade teacher at Glerum Elementary School Annex. It must have been 1960 or 1961. Students had to walk from the annex building to Glerum School for recess, lunch, and to catch the bus. He was a very nice man and I thought of him many times over the years. He will be missed.

Mr Kraai was my 5th grade and favorite teacher of all time. He always had so much more confidence in me than I had for myself and encouraged me to be the best I could be. Later in life I went on to buy his former house on Quincy and enjoyed showing him the updates. He was a wonderful man who had such an impact on all those around him and he will be deeply missed!

Mr Kraai was my 4th grade teacher at Waukazoo Elementary. He has always held a special place in my memories as a caring, loving, helpful teacher. He had a way to make all his students shine regardless of their differing abilities and talents. I do not recall a single time where he wasn´t smiling! Such an amazing man..he´ll be missed!