Robert Louis Kraft

He was born on January 7, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to loving parents, Elsie and Jack Kraft. He was the second of four boys. Bob’s journey through life was marked by his joy and zest for life. Bob always found a reason to smile, whether he was working on his numerous "garage toys," spending time traveling in his RV with Tonda, attending college and NFL tailgates and games with his sons Ryan and Kyle, showing off his prize sunflowers to his grandchildren, or any type of car show with close friends and his brothers.

Growing up in Pleasant Hills, PA, outside of Pittsburgh, Bob was a bright and energetic child who quickly developed an affinity for cars, which grew to a love of motorcycles, boats, and snowmobiling. He graduated high school from Westerville, Ohio, before pursuing a degree in business at Bowling Green State University. His education laid the foundation for a long and accomplished career at the Kroger Company, where he dedicated over 46 years of his life, culminating in his role leading retail sales nationally. His position at Kroger certainly helped shape his overarching love of dairy: ice cream, milk, and of course, cheese.

Bob’s heart was filled with love, and he shared a beautiful life with his wife Tonda Kraft over a span of 45 years. He was a proud father to his two sons, Ryan and Kyle Kraft. Bob’s legacy of love and laughter will continue through his children and their families. His six grandchildren will remember him as a fun-loving, gift-giving, piano-playing grandfather.

In addition to his immediate family, Bob is survived by a community of friends. He was an active member of the Southeastern Michigan Camaro Car Club and the Vintage Car Club of Holland, where he found camaraderie among fellow car lovers. He traveled with the same snowmobile group along Michigan's Great Lakes and Upper Peninsula for more than a decade. His love for these outdoor hobbies was matched only by his ability to bring joy to those around him. Bob overcame a serious diagnosis of cancer in 2023 and went through treatment, surgery, and lifestyle changes that followed. Even through this, his infectious spirit and innate talent for making others laugh remained.

Bob tragically passed with his brother, Douglas Kraft, and dear friend, Jim Puchan. Their absences will be deeply felt by all who knew them.

As we celebrate Bob’s life, we invite friends and family to join us for a funeral service in Columbus, Ohio, where we will honor a man who filled our lives with laughter, love, and memories. Bob will not only be remembered for his accomplishments and passions but for the kindness and joy he brought into the lives of everyone he encountered.

Friends and family of both Bob and Doug Kraft will be received for visitation on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, from 2 pm - 5 pm at Schoedinger Dublin, 5980 Perimeter Dr, Dublin, OH 43017, where the funeral service will be held at the same location on Monday, February 16th, at 10 am.

Rest in peace, Bob. You will be missed but never forgotten. You brightened every room you entered, and your light will live on in us.