Ronald Kraft

Ronald Reed Kraft, 95, of Eau Claire (formerly Cedarburg, WI) entered into Jesus’ loving arms on June 17, 2023. He was born December 28, 1927 to Edna (Lade) and Walter Kraft.

Ron leaves behind his wife, Elaine; son, John (Debbie), and daughter, Ellen (Kent); grandchildren, Corey (Candace), Molly (Mark), and Margaret; great grandchildren, Aubree Grace, Colie Joy, and Kezzie Faith. He had a special bond with his Hackbarth nephews and nieces: Bryan, Jim, Jenny, and Jan while they were growing up.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Edna Kraft; in-laws, Erv and Florence Hackbarth; son, David; and great grandchild, little Hallie Hope.

Born in Milwaukee WI, Ron attended Bethany Lutheran Grade School, Boys Technical High School, graduating with the class of 1946. Ron enlisted in the US Navy at age 18 and served on a submarine base in Pearl Harbor. After his honorable discharge, he met his wife Elaine at the Arlington Race Track in Chicago, and was married August 19, 1962. They purchased their first home in Wauwatosa while Ron worked at General Motors/Delco Electronics for over thirty years. He contributed to many innovative projects such as the automotive seat belt interlock, early catalytic converters, car airbag system, missile guidance systems, and an army tank gun turret stabilization platform.  

After raising their three children in Wauwatosa, WI, Ron and Elaine moved to the quaint little town of Cedarburg, and eventually to Eau Claire to be near their kids.

Ron and Elaine did a lot of genealogy research and collected Martin Luther coins. He loved to dance, especially the square dance. He couldn’t pass up any bike parts put out in the trash and made many kids happy with a custom built bike.  

Ron was truly a great man whose impact will forever be felt by his family that loves him dearly. His ability to sacrifice, provide, support, forgive, and love will be forever ingrained in all he knew.

The family will be holding a memorial service on Saturday July 15, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Freistadt, 10729 W. Freistadt Road, Mequon, WI.  Visitation and fellowship begins at 10:00am, the memorial service starts at 11:00, and a luncheon to follow.  Those interested may send flowers to the church for the memorial service.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Kraft, please visit our floral store.