Dr. Warren Kraft

Dr. Warren J. Kraft May 27, 1920 ~ November 4, 2014 Wenatchee Pediatrician Warren Kraft died in Wenatchee on November 4, 2014, following a long illness. He was born in Chicago, IL, grew up in Bismarck, ND and attended the University of Wisconsin, Northwestern Medical School and Children's Memorial for Pediatric training. Dr. Kraft practiced briefly in Chicago, before searching for a better venue and found the Wenatchee Valley a perfect place to live and work. He joined the seven-doctor Wenatchee Valley Clinic in 1949, along with Obstetrician Bud Movius and Gerentologist/Internist Bob Hoxsey, creating what they termed the "Cradle to the Grave Society". From 1951 through 1953, he served in the Army Medical Corps in Stuttgart, Germany, where he married his wife, Joan, returned to the clinic and retired in 1986. Education does not tell the story. He was excited about the clinic goal of providing specialty care to NCW and was an integral part of the growth from a small office in downtown Wenatchee to what is now Confluence Health. He continued his pride in the clinic and his friendship with the doctors with whom he practiced. Best of all, he adored his patients and families. Bless those who kept in touch with him through the years. He really loved his "kids" and missed seeing them all when he retired. The list of organizations and interests is long: AMA, WSMA, AAP, WAC, WG&CC, Rotary, Seattle Children's, Harborview, FUMC, POKerr, his Lake Chelan cabin, skiing, golf and bridge. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie Kraft; and his four siblings, William, Helen Jeanne, Phyllis and Jimmy. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan; and daughters, Virginia Kraft (Joe Swinney) of Port Orchard, WA, Nancy Sellars (Don) of Issaquah, WA, Marilyn Fudge (Mike) of Kachess, WA, and Margaret Kraft of Hailey, ID. To quote from one of his notes, "When a blond Norwegian marries a short Italian, which genes dominate? Norwegian naturally - three blonds and one brunette!" Quite naturally, he adored his grandchildren, Lianna Sellars, Jeremy (Krissi) Fudge, twins Mary and Kristina Fudge, and Zachary and Maggie Deal. He lived long enough to know that he had two greatgranddaughters, Avery and Kendall Fudge. Lots of cousins, nieces and nephews join his immediate family in honoring his life and legacy. Special heartfelt thanks to the staff at Maple Lodge, who gave love and perfect care during the past two years; Colonial Vista Rehab staff, who gave him hope; Dr. Peter Rutherford, who is a friend, as well as a caring physician; Hospice of Wenatchee, who gave him and his family comfort; and his many friends, who visited and reminisced and remained part of his life until the end. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Wenatchee, with a Celebration to follow at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club. Donations, in memory of Dr. Warren J. Kraft, may be made to Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation at P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145; to CWH Hospice, 1020 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801; CWH Foundation Infant Security System, 518 N. Chelan Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801, or to a charity of your choice. Also, visit Dr. Kraft's Memorial Webpage to leave an online condolence at www.telfordschapel.com. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA.

Dr. Warren Kraft

May 27, 1920 - November 4, 2014