Lawrence Oliver Kraft

Lawrence O. “Gouda” Kraft

11/01/1944-03/03/2024

Married to Kathy “Red” Kraft

Larry is survived by his wife Kathy Kraft, his children, Greg (Renee) Kraft, Tracy Kraft, and Jenny (Jeff Panessa) Kraft; granddaughters, Abby and Hannah Kraft; great grandchildren, Maddie and Asher; sisters, Sue Kraft, Martha Kraft and Michele (Larry) Baum; and brother, Reggie (Terrie) Kraft. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Charlotte Kraft; his brother, Mike; and his sister, Judy. He had numerous nieces and nephews but had a very special relationship with John Fowler, his wife Theresa, and their son, Ian.

Larry was a lifelong resident of South Park. He graduated from Stivers High School and then married the love of his life, Kathy (née Tobin) in September 1964. This year would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary.

Larry enjoyed life, joked around with everyone and had a great personality. He was also a hardworking man who had a few jobs before he became a firefighter for the city of Dayton. He loved being a firefighter and loved the guys he worked with. Of note, Larry saved a 3-year-old named Tommy Matthews from a house fire in 1998. After retirement, he spent time working on his historic home, gardening, babysitting his granddaughters, taking weekend trips with Kathy, fishing, and enjoying life. Larry was a thrift store regular and went to auctions, often buying furniture that needed some TLC. He was a great woodworker and sold pieces he made or repaired at flea markets and antique markets. Another passion was bicycling. He rode Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, Tour of the Scioto River Valley, Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure and volunteered as an MVP for MetroParks on the river bikeway.

Most of all, Larry loved his family. He spent most of his free time with his family and truly enjoyed being a husband, a dad, a grandpa and a great grandpa. He will be desperately missed.

May He Rest In Peace

Family will gather friends on Friday, March 8th, 2024 at the main entrance to Woodland Cemetery at 10:45am and drive in procession to the gravesite for a Graveside Service.
As the saying goes: If you don't like the weather in Southwest Ohio... just wait 5 minutes.
Currently, the weather forecast suggests a possibility of rain during the Graveside Service. In consideration, we recommend bringing an umbrella or a light rain jacket, as well as proper shoes.

In lieu of flowers please do something kind for a child in need: pay for school lunches, buy shoes or school supplies; something that makes a difference in their life.

Service and great care entrusted to Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home.

Condolences, fond memories, and photos may be shared at www.DaytonFunerals.com