Nelson Herbert Kraeft

Nelson was born in Silver Creek, NY in 1917. He graduated from the University of Georgia at age 20 and went on to medical school at Vanderbilt University. After military service in Japan, at the end of World War II, he did his surgical residency and thoracic fellowship in Memphis. He came to Tallahassee in 1953, where he was a pioneer and innovative thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon; the fourth in Florida. He operated at W.T. Edwards Tuberculosis Hospital from 1953 to 1966, during which time he did 630 thoracic cases. Amazingly, there were no deaths in the last nine years of his practice; an incredible record. He was a pioneer in the development of pacemakers, performing the first one in 1962. He integrated Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by admitting an African-American patient for pacemaker placement. He was a leader in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of lung cancer. He introduced flexible bronchoscopy and campaigned until the hospital became tobacco free.

After retirement, he continued as a community leader, being very active in the Capital medical Society, the We Care and Access to Care Committee, The Medical Society Foundation and the Rotary Club. He is a recipient of the Frederick Clifton Moor Award from Rotary. He treated all patients with the highest level of care, whether they paid him or not. In 2014, he was a recipient of the I. B. Harrison Humanitarian Award.

In his spare time, Nelson enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and the occasional friendly poker game.

Nelson was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Bobbie A. Kraeft and grandson, Chad Kraeft.

Nelson is survived by his children; Don Kraeft (Jackie), Ruth Foster, Nelson H. Kraeft Jr., Bruce R. Kraeft (Diane), Frank L. Kraeft; grandchildren; Kevin Kraeft, Briget Foster, Danielle Kraeft, Nicole Kraeft, Kyle Kraeft (Erin); step-children, Mike Meeks (Kim), LeAnne Meeks Spell; and step-granddaughters, Kendall Davis, Brittney Creamer, and Lindsey Meeks.

At Nelson’s request, no services shall be held.