Robert George Kraft

Robert George Kraft, age 72, of Hessel, Michigan and West Milton, Ohio, died Friday, September 8, 2017, at his home on Lake Huron. He was born January 25, 1945, in Dayton, Ohio, to Robert Charles and Helen Lillian Kraft. Bob grew up on Haines Road in Beaver Creek, Ohio. He graduated from Beavercreek H.S. in 1963. As a graduate of University of Dayton, he held B.S. and M.S. degrees and was halfway through his PhD in Education. He was a Dayton City School teacher for 35 years at Roth H.S., Dunbar H.S., Wilbur-Wright H.S., and Stivers H.S. teaching History and The Constitution. In West Milton, Bob was involved with the Cub and Boy Scouts as a leader for 30 years. He was a member of the Shriners and Lions Club and was awarded the Harold Green Citizenship award. He was an avid car collector and a member of the MG Car Club in Dayton. Bob liked to trade, buy, and sell antiques and at one time owned his own shop called Kricket Korner at his residence. Following that he opened Kraft’s Christmas Tree Farm as a father-son seasonal business, which is in its 20th year of operation. In 1993, Bob and his family bought a cottage on St. Martin’s Pt., Hessel, Michigan where they have enjoyed the summer season for that many years. He was on the Association Board and a known person to so many. As a young man Bob had wanted to be a forest ranger. He became involved in keeping the trails adjacent to the Point open and was very proud that he was able to establish a volunteer program to maintain those trails. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn Ann (Ironside) Kraft, who feels blessed to have 40 years of wonderful memories of the fun and loving life they had together; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Kraft; son and daughter-in-law, Robert C. and Lindsay Kraft; and grandsons, Jacob Kraft and Evan Kraft. He is also survived by one brother, Michael C. Kraft. In addition, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Susan Ironside and Robert and Pat Ironside; five nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. His parents and sister-in-law Martha Ironside are deceased. Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no service or memorial. Bob loved life and lived every day to its fullest. Bob had an amazing sense of humor that will be missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful friends and family in the north on beautiful St. Martin’s Point and the surrounding community and their friends at home in Ohio. Thank you to the local emergency squad, Deputy Sheriff Arnold and the R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Robert George Kraft

January 25, 1945 - September 8, 2017