Jeff was born in 1954 to Donald and Harriet Kraker. Due to Don's health concerns, Jeff and his parents left Michigan and moved to Arizona in 1957 to start a new chapter. A strong supporter of Christian education, Jeff attended Phoenix Christian Grade School and Phoenix Christian High School. Following in the footsteps of his father, he then attended Carpentry School and pursued a career in carpentry and project management. He became certified through the Arizona Association of General Contractors and worked for McCarthy Building Companies for 30 years. He loved his job and successfully ran numerous multi-million dollar projects, leaving his incredible mark on hotels, hospitals, schools and businesses across the Southwest.
He married the love of his life, Carolee Kraker in 1983, after asking her to marry him twice :). They went on to have two children, Matthew James and Amanda Michelle. He was a strong family man and loved his family fiercely. He had a heart for service and volunteered at Phoenix Christian Grade School and Phoenix Christian Reformed Church in various capacities for decades; President of Operations, school board, Deacon and Elder, praise team, choir, and many others. He retired almost 4 years ago, and spent his time volunteering, traveling with Carolee in their trailer, and working on their new home remodel. He was thrilled to become a grandfather and could often be found looking at pictures and re-watching videos of his grandsons with a proud smile.
Jeff loved snow-skiing, water skiing, fast cars, shooting and anything else that gave him an adrenaline rush. His favorite hobby was fishing, particularly deep-sea fishing off the pier during his annual anniversary trip to California with Carolee. He loved camping with his church crew, a rowdy game of Hearts at family gatherings, date nights with his "better 37%", going shooting with his close friend JR, working on projects with close friends Marv and Steve, talking with close friends Bill and Ed, jamming out to classic rock 24/7, bad "dad jokes" and one-liners, and giant steaks. He had a boisterous laugh and skill for story telling. He gave the best bear hugs and couldn't resist a good practical joke.
More important than this, Jeff had an unwavering faith in the Lord that sustained him throughout his life. We have no doubts that "Mr. Fantastic" is in heaven right now building mansions with Grandpa Kraker, waiting for the rest of his loved ones to join him in eternal glory with our precious Savior.
Jeff is survived by his wife Carolee Kraker, son Matthew Kraker and wife Kallie, (whom he loved like a daughter), daughter Amanda Kraker, mother Harriet Kraker, sister Dawn and husband Bernie Kamerman, two grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. greenacresmortuary.net
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