Philip Kraft Jr.

Philip Kraft Jr., 87, of Grand Island, died on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Edgewood Vista Care Center. A Funeral Service and celebration of Phil’s life will be held at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island on Monday, March 25, 2024, at 11 A.M. with Pastor Andy Springer officiating. Burial will follow at the Grand Island City Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy and the Grand Island Honor Guard. A gathering of family and friends will be on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 3 to 5 P.M. at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com. 

Phil was born in Greeley County, Wolbach NE, on March 12, 1937, the son of Philip and Grace (Fisher) Kraft. His early childhood started on the farm and then was educated in Albion, NE.  Phil served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1958 during the Korean War and spent time overseas.  He was united in marriage to Evelyn Stithem on November 26, 1960.  To this union was born one daughter, Teresa S. Kraft.  After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked at Brown Fruit Company and then worked for many years and retired from Swift and Company in Grand Island and Omaha. He also worked for Tyson in Hastings.

He loved talking and retelling old stories of the past, his antique cars, playing cards and his big vegetable gardens. He loved to travel and camp.  They made many trips to Mexico over the years.  Some of his favorite camping spots were Ft. Kearney, Johnson Lake and Sherman Dam.  He loved animals and feeding the neighborhood squirrels.  Phil was a hard worker and always willing to help anyone out. Saturday mornings were spent at the coffee shop and Sunday afternoons at Sam’s Club for hot dogs and Dr. Pepper.  

He is survived by his daughter, Teri Kraft; sisters: Marie Pope and Linda (Ed) O’Neill; sister-in-law, Shirley Kraft; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; parents, Phil and Grace; brother and sister-in-law, LeRoy and Rita Kraft; brother, Harvey Kraft; brother, Richard Kraft; sisters in law: Judy Kraft and Mary Kraft; brother-in-law, Norman Pope; and friend, Lorraine Onnen.