Anthony "Tony" John Kraft

Anthony “Tony” John Kraft, 84, Athens, died Monday, April 19, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born February 24, 1937 in the Town of Rietbrock, son of the late Sylvester and Caroline (Rauen) Kraft. On February 7, 1959 he married the love of his life Joann Zietlow at Holy Family Catholic Church in Poniatowski, WI.

Anthony was a long-time member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Athens, WI. He was a proud business owner of Kraft Lanes for 31 years and former member of the Athens Village Board and Marathon County Tavern League. Most of all, Tony enjoyed spending time with his family, who loved him dearly.  He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, playing sheepshead, and camping with the Big Lake group. He always lived life to the fullest.

Survivors include his wife, Joann Kraft, and their children; Daniel (Sheila) Kraft, Michael (Sharon) Kraft, Jeffrey (Anne) Kraft and Stacie (Shannon) Merkel; 10 grandchildren, Samantha (fiancé Luis Sanchez), Tad (fiancé Jordyn Kralcik), Garrett (Jessica), Phillip, Briti, Sarah, Kaitlin Kraft and Macie, Alyssa and Aaron Merkel; 2 great-grandchildren Aerahley and Grady Kraft. Tony is further survived by his siblings, Dennis (Rosemary) Kraft, Marlene (Guy) Schlegel and brothers-in-law Merlin Zietlow and Donald (Darlene) Zietlow.

Thank you to all the caregivers from Aspirus Hospice for your wonderful care & compassion over the past few months.

A 9:00 AM visitation followed by 11:00 AM funeral Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 followed by burial at Holy Family Cemetery in Poniatowski, WI and Celebration of Life at the Rietbrock Town Hall immediately after.

Social distancing will be observed and face masks are required to attend church services.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.