Herbert L. Kraft, 97, lifelong resident of New Washington, Ohio passed away on Monday, July 20, 2020 at the Willows at Willard. He was born on September 5, 1922 in Cranberry Township of Crawford County, Ohio to the late Isaac G. and Norma Mae (Striker) Kraft.
A 1940 graduate of New Washington High School, Herb enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Pharmacist Mate, including X-Ray Technician, during WWII in Europe. Prior to being transferred overseas for service, he sang in the Great Lakes Navy Choir which was broadcast over the radio several times a week. He continued to serve his country and fellow veterans for 43 years as a commissioner for the Crawford County Veteran Services and was a member of the Ohio State Association of Veterans Services Commissions. In 2009 he was inducted into the Crawford County Hall of Fame for his dedication to the local veteran organizations. To honor his service to our country, in 2016, Herb was selected to take part in the Flag City Honor Flight.
In his early years, he drove truck for the North Central Egg and Poultry Company in New Washington. He retired from the Moorman Manufacturing Company of Quincy, Illinois and was a local farmer for 42 years.
Herb was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church, the New Washington American Legion, Bucyrus AmVets and VFW, the United Commercial Travelers, and the NRA. A true musician at heart, he was an active member of the New Washington Band where he played the bass drum for over 70 years. Herb also served 14 years as a board member of First Federal Savings and Loan.
He is survived by his daughters, Anita Kraft (James Light) of Norwalk and Lynne (Jake) Schneider of Columbus; three granddaughters, Rhiannon (Matt) Light Furney, Avery Schneider and Elise Schneider; four step sons, Dave (Suzanne) Stump, Mark (Vickey) Stump, James (Denise) Stump and Dennis (Shelli) Stump; numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; a brother, F.W. "Forrest" (Carolyn) Kraft of West Chester, OH; and a sister, Janice Schwan of Willard.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary (Niedermier) Kraft in 1998; second wife, Janice (Wechter) Stump Kraft in 2017; son, Jeffrey Kraft; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Chick Pitzen; two sisters, Esther Merrill and Phyllis Erhman; and a brother, Gene Kraft.
Family and friends are invited to attend Herb's Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Father George W. Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery with full military honors being presented by the New Washington American Legion. Once the social distancing and gathering restrictions have subsided, a Celebration of Life will be held and announced to the public. Memorial contributions can be made to the New Washington Band or New Washington American Legion. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.
Condolences
Patricia Fultz - Jul 30, 2020
It saddens me to see that Herb passed. I considered him a dear friend and was my pleasure to serve him at the Willow's. I quit in 2019 and I talked to Herb about my decision to end my employment there. He was sad but honored my decision. I was able to come back and visit him as I missed all his back in the day stories. I could sit and listen to him for hrs. I will miss him dearly and want to give my thoughts and prayers to his friends and family. Rest in peace Herb, and I'm sure you're telling your wonderful stories in heaven.
Florin Kraft - Jul 29, 2020
I wanted to send a note of sympathy for the loss of Herbert. He was my first cousin.
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers during this trying time. Florin Kraft and daughters Sandra, Jennifer and Sharon.
Chris & Tonya Fike - Jul 23, 2020
Anita, Lynne and families of Herb,
It was always a pleasure and honor to visit with Herb. He was an inspiration and example for all of us to follow. We extend our deepest sympathies and may God be your comfort as you cherish your memories.
Clara Krebs Tish - Jul 23, 2020
Sincere condolences to the family. Memories of Herb and all his work with Moormans. Enjoyed the time he would spend at our house every Monday morning as he was giving his weekly report. Always eager to get out on his route. Prayers to all the family.
Bob Siegel - Jul 23, 2020
I am very sorry for your loss and offer my sympathy to the family. Herb's service to our country and community were exceptional. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sister Diane Hay - Jul 23, 2020
My heart is sad every time we loose a WWII Veteran, but it is even sadder when that hero was also a friend. I was blessed to encounter Mr. Kraft many times when he would attend SFX Church as well as the hospital Chapel for Mass. What a gentle soul who always made my day when I saw him. My sympathy to his family and to our country. May peace reign in the hearts of all because he graced this life on earth.
Fran (Robey) Schroeder - Jul 22, 2020
Lynne, so very sorry for your loss. He was a very warm and friendly person. I pray for the healing and comfort of Gods love.
DEB - Jul 22, 2020
so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to visit with Herb in the willows. Sure will miss him.
you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Shirley Zimmerman - Jul 22, 2020
Our sympathy to Anita, Lynne, David, Jim, Mark and families in the passing of Herb. I was so sorry that I did not get to see him, but I cherish the memories when I visited him at the Willows. Whenever I left, he would always say to come back again. Before departing each time, as Chaplain, he never turned down my offer of prayer. I also was glad to be a part of the Honor Flight with him. As we say in the Navy, Rest your oars, Herb.
Tom and Kim Long - Jul 22, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to Herb's family. We have vivid memories of playing with him in the New Washington Town Band years ago. We can see him standing behind the bass drum with a mallet in one hand and a cymbal in the other, taking cues from Kenneth Cummins. More recently, we enjoyed visiting with him at the Willows when, once again, he lived across the "street" to Dad. May he rest in peace.
Pat ( Long ) Spiess - Jul 22, 2020
To Anita, Lynn and their families,
I am saddened to hear that you had to say good-bye to your Dad for the last time. Feeling the absence of a parent, no matter how old or even when their death is expected, is painful and heartbreaking. So I am thinking of you today with sincere sympathy wishing you not just peace and comfort but also “joy” as you “celebrate” the life of your dear father, Herb Kraft. We had a wonderful experience growing up on Jeffrey Drive and our parents helped to make that so.
Of course I must add one more comment about your Dad and his many years playing the Bass Drum in our town band!
Your old neighbor and friend,
Pat (ty Long) Spiess
Garry and Laurie Kaple - Jul 22, 2020
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family. I have fond childhood memories of Herb coming to our farm to get my dads feed order, he always had a gentle spirit, a friendly smile and a wave when you would see him around town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda Yutzy (Long) - Jul 22, 2020
Dear Anita and Lynne, I would like to offer my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear dad. I have such good memories of our childhood neighborhood--we were all so fortunate to have had such good parents who looked out for all the kids who played up and down Jeffrey Drive and around and on "the green circle." Your dad and mom were always very kind and friendly to our family. May God bless them and give them eternal rest. May God bless you both with comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Sharon and Bones Kessler - Jul 22, 2020
Lynne and family, we are sorry for your loss. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Jim and Dolores long - Jul 21, 2020
Deepest sympathy to Herb's family. You are in my prayers.
Mike and Andrea Long - Jul 21, 2020
So sorry to hear of Herb’s passing. He was a great neighbor to our parents on Jeffrey Drive then again at the Willows. He always had a smile on his face. We will also remember him in the town band, very nice man that will be missed by many.
Sharon Kay Moore - Jul 21, 2020
So sorry to hear of Herb's passing - he certainly lived a long and fulfilled life! A great guy we will remember most of all because of his playing in the New Washington Town Band along with Gene. Also, Gene was honored to be part of the Genoa Legion Band that played at the Toledo Honor Flight ceremony that Herb attended after coming back from Washington DC. We have some nice pics of Herb and Gene at that ceremony. Prayers to his family! Gene and Sharon Moore
Tracy (Ehresman) Hiller - Jul 21, 2020
For many years I sat beside Herb in the New Washington Town Band. Always pleasant and an inspiration. We had a couple close calls over the years with the cymbal, but oh what fun we had. In addition are all the wonderful memories of events with the American Legion and Auxilliary. Our two families have been entwined for year through these two groups. Herb will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
LouAnn Schroeder - Jul 21, 2020
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many. I love you Lynne
Sherry Long - Jul 21, 2020
Anita & family, sorry to read of your loss. Prayers uplifted for peace and acceptance.
Joe Strausbaugh - Jul 21, 2020
Deepest sympathy to Herb's family, you are in my prayers.
Pete and Sarah Kimmel - Jul 21, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to our cousins and their families. We always enjoyed Uncle Herbert's stories. He will be missed. From the Ehrman cousins
Larry and Marsha Predieri - Jul 20, 2020
Sat behind Herb at church on Saturday night and got to know him. We enjoyed visiting him at the
willows. You have our sympathy and prayers.
Peggy Opatken - Jul 20, 2020
Herb was a member of the new Washington band and I am so glad I knew him for eight years. I also brought him communion at the willows. Such a nice and smart man. I loved that he had a desk in his room at the willows
Jim & Denise Stump - Jul 20, 2020
So very sorry. Herb was a great man, with a lifetime of service to his country, church and community.
