Scott Earl Kraft

With a smile that could brighten even the darkest of days, Scott Kraft brought such warmth and happiness to the lives of those around him. He was friendly, outgoing, and seemed to know someone wherever he went. In many ways Scott was a kid at heart who loved pulling pranks or picking on someone in a fun-loving way, all in the name of having a good laugh. A more dedicated family man would be hard to find as he kept a watchful eye over not only his wife and children, but also his nieces and nephews. Scott was content in whatever life brought him and believed that in everything, God was watching out for his wellbeing. A true blessing in the lives of many, Scott will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

The sixties were a turbulent time in the history of our country with the escalation of the civil rights movement, the deaths of both Martin Luther King, Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, as well as the growing military tension with Russia. This was also the decade known as “the age of youth” with 70 million teenagers and young adults as a result of the postwar baby boom. We were introduced to Barbie and G.I. Joe and entertained by shows such as the Andy Griffith Show and Bewitched. It was during this unprecedented time that a young family from Plainwell, Michigan, were anxiously awaiting the birth of their third baby. Their wait was over on July 31, 1964, when Scott Earl made his arrival and was welcomed into the bustling family of Arthur Larry and Harriet Louise (Wason) Kraft. Scott would be joined by other siblings, Judy, Robin, Arthur, Cindy, Lois, Marie, and Ruby. As a child Scott enjoyed spending summers on his aunt Mary and Uncle Punk’s farm in Otsego where he was imprinted with a strong work ethic at a young age. He wasn’t lacking when it came to being spoiled either as he often went to his grandparents’ home where he was doted over on a regular basis.

The majority of Scott’s life was spent in Kalamazoo where he attended local schools. It was in sixth grade that he met a particular classmate with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Debra Hernandez and she was just 11 when they met, and he was one year her junior. Although they met in fifth grade, Scott wouldn’t talk to her. By the time they neared the end of their seventh grade year, the two walked home after track practice one day, which marked the beginning of a love story that would span more than 30 years. Though many referred to their romance as “puppy love”, Scott knew that Debra would be the one that he would marry. Deeply in love, the couple married on February 27, 1982, and it was during the spring of the following year that Scott graduated from Kalamazoo Central.

Throughout his life Scott worked for Kalamazoo Public Schools, his career spanning 27 years. He started as summer help there and once he turned 18, Scott was hired full-time. He held a variety of positions there including custodian, grounds person, and also as a stock room worker most recently. In whatever he did Scott went over and above in his work and was always more than willing to help the teachers. He befriended countless students and their families as the years went by, and he genuinely loved his work as well as the people he worked with.

Life truly began for Scott when he and Debra were blessed with the births of two children, Scott and Rebecca. As a father Scott was the very best as he perfectly balanced being a firm disciplinarian when needed with providing his children with the love and security they thrived on. He taught his children countless lessons through stories, and he also lavished innumerable lectures upon his children as well. Scott was at the ready to offer a listening ear to his children and always gave the best advice. He instilled within them the importance of respecting their elders, the never-ending need to behave responsibly, and how to be a person of integrity and honor. Life would even get better when his grandchildren Felicity and Catalina became a part of his life. They would affectionately call him “Papa.” They brought great joy to his life and he instilled the same lessons in life with them as he did his own children. He wrestled with them, played jokes on them and even taught them to ride bicycles.

Family played a vital role in Scott’s life throughout his entire journey. He hosted big cookouts with his extended family members and although he didn’t do the grilling, Scott just enjoyed spending time with all of his nieces and nephews. He was a vital part of their lives and always kept tabs on them in school. Uncle Scott was gentle with the nieces and nephews and a good time was always had as the “big kid” in him would come out with wrestling matches, games on the computer and an occasional water gun fight.

Although nothing was of greater importance than his family, Scott enjoyed so many other things as well. As his friends and family members can attest, the remote control was glued to Scott’s hand as he loved watching wrestling and NFL football, especially the Dallas Cowboys, as well as action movies and the Sci-Fi Channel. He liked being outdoors and took meticulous care of his lawn, and Scott also enjoyed riding his bike to work during the spring and fall and he pitched a mean game of horse shoes. He was very sociable with neighbors and liked to be in on all the gossip. In fact, Scott was so outgoing and friendly that he even found someone he knew while on vacation in Texas on one occasion.

Those who knew Scott knew of his unwavering spiritual side and that he had a firm belief that God always had his back. This truth became evident when one night he was awakened to find his house engulfed in flames and although the house was a complete loss, he was able to get everyone out safely. Scott clung to his faith when he was diagnosed with leukemia just this past July 25th. He received his diagnosis at Bronson Hospital and was immediately transferred to University of Michigan Hospital. Debra remained at his bedside where she comforted Scott by singing worship songs. It was just a short time later that he drew his last breath.

It was clear to see that Scott Kraft was anything but ordinary whether it was because of the way he wore his buckle on his backside, his abundant laughter, or his gift of gab. He had a strong work ethic, an unwavering determination, and a quiet strength that provides us all with much to aspire for. Scott was dedicated to his family and his friends, and he also treated all those around him with kindness and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed.

Scott Earl Kraft of Kalamazoo died on Monday, August 15, 2011. Scott’s family includes his wife, Debra; 2 children: Scott and Rebecca; 2 grandchildren: Felicity and Catalina; brother and sisters: Judy (Dan) Alkema, Robbin Wason, Arthur Kraft, Cindy (Ty) Loftin, Lois (Chet Hathaway) Kraft, Marie (Roy) Stanfil, Ruby (Brian) Van Bruggen; and many nieces and nephews. Learn more about Scott and visit with his family and friends on Friday from 4-8 at the Betzler Life Story Funeral, 6080 Stadium Drive; 375-2900. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the same location. Burial will be in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the General Baptist Church of Parchment.