Robert Draper Kraft

Born in St Louis, MO to Charles F. and Louise [Smith] Kraft. Bob died at home from kidney disease. During childhood the family resided in Lebanon, IL, Greencastle, IN, Albion, MI, finally settling in Evanston, IL where Bob graduated from Evanston HS and Northwestern University. He received a Master's of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, New York City. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1967, retiring in 2002. His ministry included working with at risk youth in Rockford, IL, choir directing at Hygiene and Lyons United Methodist Churches, and chaplaincy at facilities for older adults, including Bross Street Assisted Living, which he developed with his wife, Carol. Bob was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ. He participated in mission work in Jamaica and Venezuela and advocated for social justice throughout his life. He married Susan Garner in 1967 in Crown Point, IN. They divorced. He married Carol Matheis June 18, 1977, in Chicago, IL. They moved to Longmont in 1979.Bob enjoyed classical music, theater, Chicago White Sox baseball and Rocky Mountain National Park. He sang with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chorus for 6 years, having professional status for two years. He also sang with the Colorado Symphony Chorus and the Longmont Chorale. Bob was involved with the Longmont Theatre Company having roles in several plays, including Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, and Oliver. Bob was a volunteer for RMNP, helping with restoration projects and trail building, and with the Front Range Police Chaplain Program. Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Matheis-Kraft and sister, Laverna Kraft, Longmont; daughter, Julie, husband Patrick Estrada, and grandson, Sterling of Loveland, CO; sons, John Kraft, Longmont; and Joshua, wife Natalie Kraft and granddaughter, Maya of Littleton, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents of Evanston, IL and grandparents: Emma and Frank Kraft and Susan and Draper P. Smith, all of Longmont. A graveside service will be held Friday, July 23, 2010 at 2:45 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, Rev. Rick King officiating. A reception will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1500 Ninth Avenue, Longmont, following service from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to First Congregational UCC or the OUR Center through Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman Street, Longmont, CO 8501.