Melvin "Mel" Kraft – Rochester

Melvin Kenneth Kraft, 91 of Rochester, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2020 at his home with his family at his side.

Mel was born on May 10, 1929 in Howard Lake, MN to Herman and Agnes Kraft. He graduated from Howard Lake High School in 1947. He soon thereafter obtained his private pilot's license.  He served in the US Army/Airforce and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed in the South Pacific, Japan, Guam, Saipan, and the Phillipines until 1950. He graduated from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis with a degree in Electronics. He worked at Bach Music in Rochester and was a radio and tv technician. He married his wife, JoAnne Reed on September 26, 1953. Mel started at IBM Rochester as a Lab Technician in 1957 and retired in 1987. He volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, Cancer Association, Reader for the Blind, Religious Service at the Federal Medical Center Rochester, drove cancer patients to treatments, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He held various positions at his church, Trinity Lutheran, as well. He had various hobbies and interests including volunteering, traveling, camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, wood working, making model airplanes, his dog Radar, and especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children David of Rochester, Sherri (Dean) Baker of Mazeppa, Daniel (Cecilia) of Rochester, grandchildren Krista (Luke) Swanson, Kari (Jerry) Nelson, Sarah (Tom) Schultz, Luke Kraft, Cayla (Mike) Robinson, Samantha Kraft, great-grandchildren Grace, Magnus, Beck, Charlie, Avery, Chloe, Easton, and Emberlyn.

He is preceded in death by his wife JoAnne, his brother, Roland, his sister, Arlene, and his parents, Herman and Agnes.

The Funeral Service for Mel will be held on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 11:00AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester with Pastor Joel Haak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, at the church. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Rochester.