Obituary of Arthur Kraft
KRAFT, Arthur
September 11, 1935 – June 20, 2021
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Arthur Kraft, of St. Catharines, ON on June 20, 2021 in his 86th year. He courageously struggled with dementia and passed away with family by his side.
He will be lovingly remembered by the love of his life, Erika (nee Bleich); and their 3 children: Hardy (Patti); Norman (Karen); and Carolyn. He was a loving Opa to Erica Jackson (Brady); Craig Jackson (Laura); David Jackson (Danielle); Dan Kraft; Jeffrey Kraft; Amanda Deck (Jarin); Sarah Kraft; Bradley Kraft; Jayda Matchett; and Layla Matchett. He was a much loved Gross-Opa to 7 great-grandchildren. Loving brother of Rosl Ensslin (Germany) and Otto Kraft (Germany) and a great friend to many in the St. Catharines and Haliburton Lake areas. He was pre-deceased by his parents Heinrich and Salomea, brothers Reinhold and Helmut and sister Ottilia.
Born in Bessarabia, Art eventually fled war times and lived his younger years in Germany. He later immigrated to Canada in 1957 where he met his bride, Erika. He established a successful painting contract business in St. Catharines, eventually retiring to Haliburton Lake in 2003, where they established a close group of friends. Art enjoyed raising pigeons, rabbits, gardening, fishing, hunting as part of his love for the outdoors and nature. Art and Erika returned to St. Catharines in 2017 where he enjoyed time with family, friends and his long standing status as a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Linhaven Home for the Aged for their care and compassion in difficult circumstances.
In keeping with his wishes a Funeral Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 213 Linwell Road, St. Catharines, on Friday, June 25 2021 at 11 am, followed by burial at Pleasantview Memorial Gardens, Fonthill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Arthur Kraft's name to Grace Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer Society.
Live stream link for Friday June 25th: Funeral Service
As per the Province of Ontario Covid-19 regulations – funeral attendance is limited to 15% building capacity .All guests attending the funeral must wear a mask and must call the funeral home to make an appointment, (905) 937-4444.