Nickolas Johann Kraft

Nickolas "Nick" J. Kraft
June 17, 1938 – December 28, 2023
Nick Kraft's Celebration of Life
Husband, father, and grandfather, Nick Kraft entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, December 28, 2023. He was 85.
Nick was a charming man who lived a charmed life. Born in Vienna, Austria in 1938, during a politically volatile time, Nick's mother Edith wisely moved from the city to the beautiful lake district near Salzburg, Austria where Nick spent his childhood and was spared from much of the devastation of WWII. Following the war, his mother met and married US Army officer, Colonel James B. Kraft, who raised Nick as his own son.
Nick spent his adolescent years near Munich, Germany where Col. Kraft served as the first commanding officer in Berchtesgaden, well-known for the infamous Eagle's Nest. Nick graduated from Munich American High School in 1956 and made his way to the University of Maryland, College Park where he was quarterback for the football team and a proud member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.
After graduating from Maryland in 1962, Nick attempted to walk on with the Washington Redskins. When that playbook didn't work out as hoped, Nick joined the Air Force where he proudly served his country on active duty for over 20 years as Diplomatic Courier, Squadron Commander, and Flight Operations Specialist.
Nick discovered his passion for flying early in his Air Force career. During the family's assignment at RAF Mildenhall England in the early 70's, Nick became qualified to fly commercial planes and was a flight instructor in his spare time (including to James
Clavell, novelist and screenwriter best known for Shogun and his Asian saga series).
Nick had a fearless entrepreneurial spirit and was destined to be his own boss. After retiring as Captain from the Air Force, he continued with his love of aviation and embarked on a full-time career as owner and operator of several flight schools, aircraft brokerages, and flight operations across Kansas, Missouri and, finally, Florida which he called home for the past 30+ years. These businesses not only provided for his family but also gave meaningful careers in aviation to hundreds of people, including his son, Rob, who became a world class pilot. Nick's love for aviation is currently being passed down to his grandsons.
Although not born in the US, Nick would tell you that he considered himself as American as apple pie and baseball. He was a true patriot and loved all American sports, often watching one game on the television while listening to several others on the radio. He especially enjoyed football and his beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Perhaps one of the biggest sports highlights of his life was seeing the Bucs win the Super Bowl under the great Tom Brady.
Never one to sit around for long, Nick learned to play golf in his 70's which he continued to do (poorly, he would admit) for the next ten+ years of his life.
Nick was a fun-loving man with a keen sense of humor and the ability to recall a joke at the drop of a hat. He loved laughing and making others smile and was quick to pay a compliment to both friends and strangers alike. His big, beautiful smile lit up every room he entered.
Perhaps most notable was Nick's generosity and compassion. He'd gladly give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, never expecting anything in return. There are without question countless people and organizations who can attest to his generosity. His compassion extended to animals, especially dogs, which he loved (arguably more than humans) and were loyal companions by his side throughout his lifetime.
Nick's charm continued into his 80's when he met and eventually married Diane Tate Rozier of Brooksville, FL, who brought a renewed sense of adventure, love, and joy into his life, and was by his side until he entered his heavenly home on December 28, 2023.
Nick was preceded in death by his parents Colonel James Barry Kraft (West Point Class of 1924) and Edith Anna Kraft of Berchtesgaden, Germany, his son, Robert James Kraft of Royal Palm Beach, FL and Ischia Ponte, Italy and previous spouse, Dottie Lou Montgomery Collins of Lexington, KY. In addition to his wife Diane, Nick is survived and mourned by his daughter Patricia Kraft Leahy (Matt) of Charleston, SC, stepdaughter Chantel Collins Settles (Brian) and stepson James Christopher Collins (Krista) of Lexington, KY, plus four grandchildren. Also mourning his loss are Diane's children Kristine Daniel of Columbia, MD, Matthew Rozier (Nicole) of Brooksville, FL, and Marcus Rozier of Greenville, SC as well as Diane's sister Beverly Tate Babcock of Reno, NV.
Nick will be deeply missed. He leaves a legacy of generosity, hard work, entrepreneurialism, patriotism, humor, and kindness. Cleared for final take-off, he is now soaring on wings like angels. Godspeed, Nick.