Arthur “Art” E. Krafft

Arthur Edgar Krafft, 93, died in his sleep in his Luther Manor apartment in Milwaukee, WI on December 15, 2018.  He is survived by his wife, Alberta, his children, Avis Chmielewski of Milwaukee, Grant Krafft of Glenview, IL, Rollin Krafft of West Bend, WI and Jennifer Boyle of Deer Park, IL, his grandchildren Catherine Krafft of Rochester, NY, Frieda Campbell, of Green Bay, WI, Nicholas Krafft of New York, NY, Micah Bhatti of Sioux Falls, SD, Arthur J. Krafft and Anna Krafft of West Bend, WI and his great-grandchildren Lucy Campbell of Green Bay, WI and Caroline Fields of Rochester, NY.  A worship service celebrating Art’s life will be held at Luther Manor Faith and Education Center on Saturday, December 22^nd at 11:00 AM with visitation at 10:00 AM.

Art was born to Herman and Ada (List) Krafft on August 24, 1925, in Oak Park, IL and grew up in Melrose Park and Maywood, IL.  He received a B.S. degree in 1948 from Concordia College in River Forest, IL and moved to Milwaukee to begin a Lutheran school teaching career that spanned more than 60 years.  In 1950, he married Alberta G. Koss in Sheboygan, WI.  In 1969 he earned an M.S. degree from Concordia.  For most of his career, he was a teacher and Principal at Walther Memorial Lutheran School where he was also an accomplished church organist and choir director.  After he retired from Walther Memorial, he continued to teach at Milwaukee Lutheran High School and then at Grace Lutheran School in Menomonee Falls, WI.  Even at the age of 91, he continued to play the organ for Sunday services at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church.

Art was a life-long, Die-Hard Bears and Cubs fan, and his devotion and dedication to the Cubs was finally rewarded when they won the World Series in 2016.  Most importantly, Art was a man of great faith, and throughout his life, his deep faith and loving kindness touched many as teacher, musician, coach, and friend.  Now, he has fought the good fight and finished the race, proclaiming Christ as his Lord and Savior to the end.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, IL or Living Word Lutheran High School, Jackson, WI.