Father Philip Graham Kraft

He was born in Ambridge, PA, on April 26, 1936, the second son of W. T. “Ted” and Eileen (Graham) Kraft.

Fr. Kraft was ordained a priest for the Catholic Diocese of Springfield, IL on May 26, 1962, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He served as an assistant pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church and Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Springfield, St. Joseph Church in Granite City, St. Matthew Church and Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Alton, and pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Oconee and St. Joseph Church in Ramsey.

For 25 years, he worked as a Certified Addictions Counselor. He was Director of Counseling at Brighton (Michigan) Hospital for alcoholics and Program Director of Hopedale Hall for the older addicted person in Hopedale, IL. He ministered as a Spiritual Director from 1999-2009 and served as chaplain of St. Joseph Home for the Aged from 2012-2014. He was inducted into the Knights of Columbus in Decatur (Council 587) in 1954 and is past chaplain and a member of Council 364 in Springfield. Fr. Kraft enjoyed time with his family, brother priests, and high school classmates.

Fr. Kraft's education included the grade schools of St. Veronica in Ambridge, PA and St. Peter in Lexington, KY. His high schools included Latin (now Central Catholic) in

Lexington, KY, Butler in Butler, PA and graduation from St. Teresa in Decatur, IL. Fr. Kraft’s seminary training included the Diocesan Latin School, (now Villa Maria) prior to attending St. John's seminary for seven years in Little Rock, AR where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Philosophy) and completed studies in Theology leading to his ordination. He earned a master’s in psychology from Sangamon State University (presently University of Illinois, Springfield), and a master’s in health science from the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health in Baltimore, MD. He earned a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the St. Thomas Theological Institute in St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Theodore M. Kraft of Decatur, IL, and Lawrence E. Kraft of Fenton, MO; nephew, Timothy Kraft; and great-nephew, David Bennett.

Fr. Kraft is survived by his sister, Kathleen Grove Scott of Longs, SC; nieces and nephews, Alice Kraft Eggstrom (Lee) and Sally Kraft Smirich, Amy Kraft (Chet) Plegge, David (Dori) Kraft, David Grove, Melanie Grove, and Theodore Scott; grandnieces, Kalin (Nicholas) Gordon, Elissa Mullins, Emily and Avery Kraft, Kathleen Grove, and Ella Plegge; grandnephew, Joel Bennett (Tiffinay); and great-grandniece, Cecilia Gordon.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, beginning with a prayer service.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Concelebrants, Fr. Daniel Bergbower, Fr. Richard Chiola, and Rev. Msgr. David Hoefler, V.G.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials: The Springfield Priest Health Fund, Catholic Pastoral Center, 1615 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702 or St. Agnes Church, 245 Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 will be appreciated.

To the friends of Bill and Dr. Bob- EDI-ODAT.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.