Jerome "Jerry" M. Kraft

Jerome Michael “Jerry” Kraft, also affectionately known as “Mick” age 86, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on August 4, 1939, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Clayton and Marie (Tilkens) Kraft, Jerry lived a full life anchored in love for his family, generosity of spirit, and a deep faith in God. He had a love of life and a way of making those around him feel welcomed, cared for, and loved. He was a bright light to those who knew him, bringing warmth, joy, and kindness wherever he went. Jerry attended and was an Altar Server at Saint Willebrord Catholic grade school and furthered his education graduating from Premontre with the Class of 1957. Then, his path lit with 5 sons to the deeply cherished Father Gary Meehan, Abbot Pennings “WAY!” Mick began his adult life proudly serving in the United States Navy, carrying with him a lifelong love for his country and a quiet strength that remained with him throughout his life. He married Alice (Moore) in 1960 at St. Bernard’s Church in Green Bay, and together they built a beautiful life and raised six children: Scott, Thomas, Michael, Christine, John, and James. He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his family, whom he loved deeply. Mick was an active and loving presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always showing up to support their activities and sporting events, cheer them on from the sidelines, and share in the moments that mattered most. He was well known and loved by many of their friends, who came to know his warmth, humor, and unmistakable charm. He especially enjoyed a good card game with family or friends, including weekly card games that brought him joy, laughter, and connection into his later years. In his early years he worked for Father Abbot Gary Neville’s family business and enjoyed many chuckles while working there. Mick was a lifelong entrepreneur who built a successful career rooted not only in hard work, but in his extraordinary ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships. . From bartending at Vince Lombardi’s private home parties as a young man, to family businesses, various sales roles, and the many ventures in between, Mick collected friendships and stories everywhere he went. He took great pride in providing for his family, but just as much pride in the people he met, the memories he made, and the relationships he carried with him throughout his life. It was rare for him to be out in public without running into someone he knew, and rarer still for that person not to leave the conversation smiling. Jerry is survived by his wife, Alice; his six children, Scott (Tina) Kraft, Thomas (Gerri) Kraft, Michael (Cathy) Kraft, Christine (James) Moylan, John (Louann) Kraft, and James Kraft; his grandchildren, Jeff (Rachel), Alex (Carly), Max (Lauren), Travis, Tyler, Michael (Mia), Conner (Danielle), Parker (Bris), McKenna, Caitlyn, Mitch (Natalie), Ryan (Cassie), Joshua (Kyle), Cody (Jordan), Sarah (Gabriel), Benjamin, Carys, Kayla, Brady, and Keira; his great-grandchildren, Milo, Quinn and a baby boy on the way, Nayeli, Sawyer, and Emmette; his siblings, Nancy (Leroy) Kaczorowski, Polly (Steve) Anderson, Mary (Mark) McDonough, and Jim (Jean) Kraft; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his precious little ones who were welcomed into heaven before him, Nicky Jo, Mary Valentine, and Gabriel, grandbabies and great-grandbabies; his parents, Clayton and Marie Kraft; and his brother, Donald Kraft, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Walter and Cecelia Moore Though our hearts grieve his loss, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace in eternal life with the Lord. His legacy of faith, love, warmth, and joy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him. A visitation will be held on Monday, June 1st at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams Street from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in lieu of flowers Memorial Donations a Memorial Fund has been established in his name, or that prayers be offered in his memory. The family would like offer a warm note of appreciation to Father Mike Brennan O.Praem and Father Andy Cribben O. Praem for all of the spiritual and emotional guidance and care shown to Mick and his family. Also, a special thank you to for all of his caretakers, Dr. Scott and Cindy Stillwell, and the Staff at Bellin Memorial Hospital including the Pastoral Ministry Team, ICU Emergency and the 8th floor staff for all of their loving care and attention shown to Jerry and family.

Jerome "Jerry" M. Kraft

August 4, 1939 - May 21, 2026