Else Hildegard Kraft

Else Hildegard Kraft, beloved mother & Oma (grandmother), age 93 of Centerville, Ohio, passed away Thursday, May 30, 2024. Else was born on October 10,1930, in Bietigheim, Germany, to Friedriche and Marie (Buchstab) Merck. She married the love of her life, Helmut Ernst (“Ernie”) Kraft, on April 22, 1950. In 1952, they immigrated to the United States, along with their first child, seeking a better life. They came to Willard, Ohio, where Helmut started his career as a master carpenter, and Else took care of the home and children. They learned to speak English as their second language and proudly became American citizens.

In 1997, Else and Helmut moved to Centerville, Ohio, where they made their home for the rest of their lives. They were both longtime members of Epiphany Lutheran Church.

Else was a wonderful cook and fabulous baker. Her family especially loved her German specialties. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; enjoyed working on puzzles and word games; and working in her flower garden.

Else was preceded in death by her parents; her only brother Hermann Josef Merck; her husband of 64 years Helmut; and a son, Thomas Frederick Kraft.

She is survived by her children Dieter (Sandra) Kraft of Atlanta, Georgia; Joan (Allan) Brenner of Dayton, Ohio; daughter-in-law Suzanne Stevens of Seattle, Washington; five grandchildren and their families: Carissa (Tom) Milenkevich and children Raven, Sienna, and Sage; Keith (Amanda) Kraft and daughter Harmony; Kelley (Scott) Sedgwick and children Jordan (Sean) Clelend, Kendall and Conner Reidy; Kurt (Allison) Kraft and children Miriam, Richard, Nathaniel, Matthias, Gideon and Jeremiah; and grandchild Robin Brenner.

Visitation will be at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. Service will be at 11 a.m., with lunch following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com