Earl Kraft

KRAFT, Earl L. age 82, a lifelong resident of Utica and Sterling Heights died Wednesday, December 20 , 206; at Autumn Woods Nursing Center in Warren, Michigan. He was born, July 22, 1924; in Macomb Township, Michigan. The son of Louis and Mabel Gratopp Kraft. He married Wilma Landerschier on May 13, 1948; in Toledo, Ohio. Earl graduated from Utica High School in 1943. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and was employed for 38 years with Church's Lumber, retiring in 1985. He also served as a volunteer with the Utica Fire Department. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was active with the Trinity Golden Circle. He belonged to St. Peter's 60 Plus Club and the American Legion Post #352, Utica, Michigan. He also was the catcher for the Utica Merchants softball team for over 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Wilma Kraft; children, Delores "Dolly" Ireland, Gerry Joann Kraft; grandchildren, Heather Keith Mayes, Shannon Michael Behnke, Jason Mary Ireland, Nicholas Kraft, and Kristofer Kraft; great-grandson, Jeremy Ireland; and siblings, Walter Kraft and Marian Burback. Friends may visit Thursday 5:00pm-9:00pm and Friday 2:00pm-9:00pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral, 8459 Hall Road, Utica. Mr. Kraft will lie in state at 9:45 am until funeral services at 10:30 am Saturday, December 23, 2006 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 VanDyke, Utica; with Reverend Norman Koy officiating. Burial will be at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorials suggested to Alzheimers Association OR Trinity Luthran Church.