Ervin W. Kraft

Ervin Wayne Kraft, 89, of rural Oakfield, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at St. Francis Home in Fond du Lac surrounded by his family. Ervin is survived by his children: Ervin L. Kraft, Charles (Mary) Kraft, Sharon Schmeckel, Karon Kraft, Fredric Kraft and son-in-law Dan Kuen. Ervin is also survived by his grandchildren: Ervin Kraft III (Julie) and their children Amber and Ervin IV; Benjamin (Sandy) Kraft and their children Matthew, Wesley and Clayton; Melissa Couture (Jason) and their children Leah and Bradley; Margaret (Joe) Van De Voort and their children Andrew, David, Violet and Iris; Jeff Schmeckel; Tracy (A.J.) Mastaw; Joellen Schmeckel; Ashley (Andy) Vande Zande and their children Alexa and Axel; and two step-grandchildren: Maurice and Andre Artiles and their parents Toby and Rikki Artiles. Ervin was born on April 21, 1931 at home in Waterford, WI to Ernest and Sadie (Kriplin) Kraft. On September 1, 1952 Ervin was united in marriage to Kathleen Frederick at St. John’s Catholic Church in Paris, WI. Ervin served in the Army from February 1952 until January 1954 as a mechanic in Germany, Austria and Korea. Upon returning home from military service Ervin returned to work at J.I. Case and farming in Kenosha County until 1962 when Ervin and Kathleen bought a farm in the Town of Byron in Fond du Lac County. Ervin served on the parish council and cemetery association for Sons of Zebedee Catholic Church – St. John’s in Byron, WI and was also a long-time member of the Byron Historical Society. Ervin served on the Board of Education for the School District of Oakfield from 1983-2015. He was an avid collector of antique tractors and spent many hours restoring his antique equipment and his 1947 Studebaker truck. Ervin is survived by his sister, Arlene Lang; two sisters-in-law, Marietta Spear and Ramona Michel, and brother-in-law, Richard Frederick. Ervin was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen, daughter Kris Kuen, son-in-law Peter Schmeckel, infant grandson, Timothy Kraft and infant great granddaughter, Renee Couture; his parents and siblings Carl Kraft, Willard Kraft, Eugene Kraft, Adeline Melville, Arvilla Miller and Wayne Kraft; parent-in-laws Louis and Isabelle Frederick and brother and sister-in-laws James Frederick, Lawrence Frederick, Estelle Howell and Carol Fliess. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 AM on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lomira with interment of ashes at St. John’s Cemetery in Byron, WI. The family will receive guests at the church on Saturday, May 1st, from 10:00 AM until the time of service. The family of Ervin would like to extend a sincere thank you to the nursing staff at Agnesian Hospice, especially Josephine, for the compassion and kindness extended to Ervin during his final weeks and also to the caregivers and support staff at St. Francis Home who cared for Dad, especially Lisa - who never forgot his coffee. Thank you also to all the individuals who called or sent cards to Dad this last year during the pandemic and everyone who visited him the last several weeks – he cherished every minute of your visits and throughout the last year Saturday mornings were the highlight of his week when he was able to face-time with Alexa and Axel. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ervin’s memory can be made to Agnesian Hospice, Byron Historical Society, New Beginnings of Fond du Lac or Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department. To ensure health and safety, please adhere to current Covid-19 guidelines pertaining to the wearing of masks and social distancing. Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa – we were looking forward to celebrating your 90th Birthday next month and hope your celebration in heaven is joyful. You are missed.

Ervin W. Kraft

April 21, 1931 - March 10, 2021