Melvin Carl "Mel" Kraft

Melvin Carl Kraft, "Mel", age 81, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026. Born December 9, 1944, in Salt Lake City UT and grew up in the Millcreek area. He was an attendee at Granite High School. Mel was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and loved participating in his high school choir classes. He particularly enjoyed country, folk, rock and roll, and Broadway music. He was called to be a missionary and served in the Central British mission covering England and Whales. During his service he was able to visit The Cavern Club in Liverpool where The Beatles were discovered. After serving in England, he returned home and met his wife Sue at a Lamba Delta Sigma formal dinner dance where he stole her away from her date. Mel called Sue every day until they were sealed together in the Salt Lake temple for time and all eternity. They were happily married for 60 years. They had 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Mel had a long career as a bus operator for UTA for 30 years. During this time, he was privileged to participate as an Olympic volunteer for the 2002 Utah Olympics. Because of his deep love of music, he started participating in stage plays and dinner theater. His love of acting came after his first production in 1980 of The Title of Liberty. He would perform in many musicals over the years for Pioneer Theater, Promised Valley Theater, Buddy Youngreens dinner theater and numerous stake plays. His favorite role he played will forever be Tevye in a stake play production of Fiddler on the Roof. Besides his musical talent he also had other hobbies. He liked to golf with his friends and family. While he was growing up, he loved to spend time with his father fishing. It was his favorite memory of his dad. Disneyland was a huge part of the Kraft family where Mel and Sue were able to see the magic in the eyes of their kids and grandkids. Out of all of these amazing accomplishments he would say his greatest accomplishment was to raise his children to love and follow Jesus Christ.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Stella, his brother, George, Sister, Millie, as well as his in laws, William and Marjorie. He is survived by his children: Kimberly (Dion), Scott (Mari), James (Kimberly), Angie (Eric), 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and his beloved cat Sable.

The Family wishes to thank the kind nursing staff of Enhabit Home Health and Hospice as well as his Sister In-Law Michelle Mathews for her constant love and care.

A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd (10600 S) on Monday February 9, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:45 AM. Graveside Services will begin at 12:30, followed by a luncheon for the family at the LDS church building located at 235 E 9800 S in Sandy.