Robert L. Kraft

Robert L. Kraft, 78, of Columbia, IL, born Friday, April 22, 1932, in Belleville, IL, died Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Mr. Kraft worked as a Pharmaceutical Salesman for E.R. Squibb and Sons for 34 years. He was a Belleville Alderman for the 3rd Ward from 1971-1993. He was also a baseball manager for the Belleville Khoury League, a Boy Scout Leader and a Korean War U.S. Air Force Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Julius and Florence, nee Hartleb, Kraft
• Brother: Jack Kraft

Surviving are his:

• Wife: Della L. nee Steinhardt, Bruce-Kraft
• Children
  • Julie (Andy) Karr of Smithton, IL
  • Karen (Dean Koopmann) Scott of Belleville, IL
  • Bob Kraft of Independence, KY
  • Cathy Buettner of Swansea, IL
  • Ken (Lisa) Kraft of Southwick, MA
  • Chip (Debi) Bruce of Kansas City, MO
  • Julie (Chad) Warren of Marissa, IL
• Grandchildren
  • Adam (Kelly) Karr
  • Michael Karr
  • Chris Kraft
  • Tyler Kraft
  • Samantha Kraft
  • Ashley Buettner
  • Lindsey Buettner
  • Kaitlin Kraft
  • Taylor Kraft
  • Taylor (Emily) Bruce
  • Maggie Bruce
  • Mallory (Fiance Josh Watkins) Warren
• Great-Granddaughters: Molly and Leah Bruce

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Smile Train or American Diabetes Assocociation.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 P.M., Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Chip Bruce officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.

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