August Heinrich Kraft

August H. “Gus” Kraft, 77, unexpectedly passed away on June 23, 2012 at the family’s home in Leland, North Carolina.

Gus was born in Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1956. He settled in Waterloo, New York, where he met and married his loving wife Irma in 1959. Gus was deeply grateful for his U.S. citizenship and frequently expressed his love for the United States.

Trained as a butcher, he worked at Bill’s Meat Market in Waterloo, then bought and operated Miller’s Meat Market in Seneca Falls, NY, and later, Bill’s Meat Market. Gus and Irma operated the store for 16 years and were an integral part of their community. Gus’ vivacious personality was greatly responsible for their success as he never met a stranger.

After retirement, Gus and Irma moved from Waterloo to Elgin, South Carolina and then to Leland, North Carolina, quickly forming lasting friendships with many wonderful people. If walking with him, one would frequently have to wait as he’d be stopped, talking with a new friend. Gus was sincere, loving and giving. He enjoyed playing tennis, listening to music, writing poetry, and became a self-taught artist. One could not cross his path without being given a souvenir from one of his hobbies. Gus grew into a deeply spiritual man and looked forward to playing tennis in heaven with the angels, saying, “Playing tennis on the clouds is much easier on the knees.”

He is survived by Irma, his wife of 53 years; two sisters: Katie Manske and Hannchen Sealock; three sons: Chris (Maria) Kraft, Rodney (Janet) Kraft, and Robert Kraft; seven grandchildren: Daniel Kraft, William Kraft, Kyle Kraft, Joel Kraft, Jordan Kraft, Madeline Kraft and Gracyn Kraft; and fourteen loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Georg Kraft and his sister Fransiska Schaller.

A memorial service to celebrate his life and spirit will be held at Woodburn Presbyterian Church in Leland, NC on Saturday June 30th at 11am, followed by fellowship with friends and family at the church immediately after the service.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation,Village Road Chapel, 525 Village Rd., Leland, NC 28451 910.383.3511