Patrick R. Kraft

Patrick R. Kraft (Krafty), 64, Wausau, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2023.  He was born November 7, 1958 to Roger L. and Sally T. (Egner) Kraft.

Patrick was a graduate of Wausau East High School in 1977.  After high school he joined the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Sergeant (ES) before being honorably discharged in 1980.  While serving he received a certificate of commendation from the commanding general, 2nd Force Service Support Group and was the first Marine to be the American Flag bearer at Mankato Service Area, Okinawa Japan in 1978.

Upon returning from the Marine Corps he joined his parents in their family dry cleaning business – Kraft Cleaners - until their retirement.  He earned an Associate Degree in Accounting from NTC in 1997.  He then worked briefly as an accountant, bartended at Loppnow’s and Rib Mountain Golf Course, and worked customer service at Classic Cleaners.

Patrick enjoyed a wide variety of sports, competed in various leagues for Loppnow’s and assisted in coordinating numerous tournaments.  He was an avid golfer, playing for many years in the Rib Mountain Golf Leagues.

In 2007, Patrick received the gift of life with a liver transplant from the UW Madison hospital.  After his transplant he became associated with the North Central Wisconsin Donate Life organization.  He was the treasurer and assisted in their Scavenger Hunts and Ted’s Trek 5k run/walk promoting organ donation.  He was also a mentor for liver transplant patients at the UW Madison Transplant Clinic.

Patrick is survived by brother, Keith (Cheryl) Kraft; sister-in-law, Brenda Kraft; niece, Stacy (Mike) Liedl;  and nephews, Robert Kraft, Jonathon (Nikki) Kraft and Alex (Paige) Kraft.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his brother, Scott Kraft; and nephew, Joe Kraft.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2023 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau.  Deacon Peter Burek will officiate.  Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until time of services at the funeral home.  Full military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post No. 10, Wausau.  Private burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery,Wausau.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in memory of Patrick Kraft to North Central WI Donate Life, LLC (501c3) at 109 Aspen Grove Lane, Wausau, WI 54403.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com