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Springfield – Jack L. Kraft, 83, of Springfield died at 9:10 p.m. Sunday September 30th, 2012, at Memorial Hospital surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He was born June 5, 1929 in Macon County, Illinois to Herbert and Mae Reynolds Kraft. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean, infant brother Raymond, his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

He married Doris LaVonne Coffman on August 9th, 1952. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Jack proudly served his country in the Korean War. He was a member of the Mt. Pulaski Masonic Lodge #57 for over 50 years. He was of the Methodist Faith. Jack was a farmer for over 50 years in the Illiopolis, Mt. Pulaski area.

Jack loved farming, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving and supportive father, grandfather and friend. Always ready to lend a hand in a time of need to his family and friends. Jack had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by all that knew him.

Jack is survived by his wife, Doris Lavonne of Springfield, sons Kelly Kraft of Taylorville, Larry Kraft and wife Debbie of Illiopolis, Perry Kraft and wife Nadine of Springfield, daughters Sandra Maher and husband Dan of Springfield and Linda Hatfield and husband Kevin of Carterville. Jack was blessed with 16 grandchildren: Alison, Nolan and Landon Kraft, Patrick, Kathleen, Danielle and Jordan Maher, Elizabeth Kraft Zitny, Lauren, Jessica and John Kraft, Joseph and Austin Dunkel, McKenzie, Caleb and Kierstynn Hatfield.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 4th, 2012 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Veail Chapel at Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski with Rev. Robert Swicker officiating. Funeral service and burial will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mt. Pulaski.