ALS claims life of local businessman Harold E. Kraft

Harold E. Kraft passed away Tuesday, June 5, 2007, after a courageous seven-year fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Kraft founded Ward Kraft, Inc., in 1972, along with J.W. "Jude" Ward, who preceded him in death. A written company statement said Kraft often requested that the employees of Ward Kraft call him by his first name, even though it seemed almost disrespectful then, as it does now, to do so.

In that official statement, company officials said, "Those who knew him personally know that Harold was not just a brilliant businessman, but a caring, generous man of integrity who loved God and family. While he will be missed on this earth, we are confident that he is waiting for us all in Heaven."

Kraft's funeral was conducted Friday, June 8, 2007. Memorials are suggested to the Apostolic Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Fort Scott, Kan., 66701.

According to the statement, the senior management of Ward Kraft, Inc.; Owner and CEO Roger Kraft, President Michael Del Chiaro, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Mark Tucker, Vice President of Finance Joe Baker, Vice President of Business Development and Sales Gina Holt; and the employees of Ward Kraft, Inc. are committed to maintaining the company's position as a leader in innovative business and document solutions.

"Equally, we will continue to strengthen the company's legacy of customer service, innovation, integrity, and industry leadership that Harold Kraft and J.W. "Jude" Ward founded the company on in 1972," the statement said.

Ward Kraft, Inc. has eight plants, all located near the corporate headquarters in Fort Scott.