Harold John “Boge” Kraut, 105, passed away on January 14, 2019 at 3:45 p.m. at his home with family by his side.
He was born on May 24, 1913 in Gilead, IL, the son of Herman and Florence “Doerge” Kraut.
Boge married Helen B. Staats on January 10, 1938 at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church in Hardin, IL.
Boge worked as a soil conservation tech for the Calhoun County Soil and Water District retiring in 1975. He was instrumental in the creation and initiation of the soil and water conservation program in Calhoun County. He was responsible for the re-introduction of the wild turkey program in Calhoun County.
Boge also farmed much of his life. He had an apple orchard, Christmas tree farm, horses, mules, donkeys, hogs, sheep and beef and dairy cattle. Boge was an avid traveler, wildlife viewer, conservationist, rock hound, gardner and was well known for his ice skating abilities. He last laced up his skates at age 80 and skated with his great-grandchildren.
He loved to four-wheel ride with his neighbors and friends and did so until he was 104 years old. He traveled to all 50 states, including Hawaii and driving twice to Alaska - the second time at the age of 80. He also traveled to Mexico and Canada. After World War II in 1946, he took charge of the Carrico Plummer Cemetery and insured the cemetery was cared for and decorated and that the graves of his fallen comrades were properly adorned with American flags. He loved spending time with family every Memorial Day decorating every grave on the cemetery.
He was a World War II Navy Veteran, the oldest living Veteran in Calhoun and a member of the American Legion Post 632 in Batchtown for 72 years, a trustee of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church for many years, member of Calhoun County Soil and Water District Board, and served as a board member of the Calhoun Calhoun Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He received the Illinois State Farmer’s award in 1954 at the Illinois State Fair. His life story is memorialized at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL.
He is survived by daughters, Linda Butler, Sue Sweetman, June Bizaillion and Debbie (Ben) Heimann and sons Jim (Diane) Kraut, Mike (Anita) Kraut and John Kraut; grandchildren David (Susie) Sweetman, Brad (Jaci) Sweetman, Michelle (Tom) Klasner, Danny (Donna) Bizaillion, Tony Bizaillion, Nancy Robeen, Pam (Brad) Long, Angie (Bruce) Edwards, Andrew (Jaime) Kraut, Melissa (Tom) Yates, Christopher Kraut, Jonathan (Priscilla) Kraut, Krissy (Neil) Martin, Lisa and Amanda Kraut, Becky (Jeff) Franze, Benjamin Heimann, Nathan (Tiffany) Heimann; great-grandchildren, Jordan (Kandice) Sweetman, Bailey (Josh) Watson, Jake (Erin) Sweetman, Tanner (Jaclene) Sweetman, Laci (Derrick) Davault, Mariah (Drew) Eilerman, Emily (Drae) Cox, Jacob Bizaillion, Shawn Bizaillion, Hannah and Ben Robeen, Katie (Kaleb) Neece, Tyler Long, Garrett, Brandon and Emme Edwards, Griffin, Ashlyn and Madalyn Kraut, Brennan, Josh and Alec Vahle, Makayla and Jaxon Kraut, Ian, Aaron and Adrian Kraut, Wesley and Peyton Martin, Emma Franze, Kynlie and Koen Heimann; great-great grandchildren Harvey and Jane Watson, Karoline Sweetman, Sadie Sweetman, Isla and Beau Sweetman, Delanie Davault, Audrey and Gus Eilerman, David, Levi and Thea Cox.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Helen “Staats” Kraut; siblings, Charles Kraut, Edward Kraut, Irene (Kraut) Saling; son-in-laws, Bill Sweetman and Bobby Bizaillion; grandchildren, Gary Bizaillion, Amy Kraut, and Laura Kraut.
Visitation will be Thursday January 17, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home, Hardin, IL.
Funeral Mass will be Friday, January 18, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Norbert’s Catholic Church Hardin, IL.
Burial will follow at St. Norbert’s Catholic Cemetery with full military rites.
Memorials may be made to the Calhoun Ambulance or Family Choice
Online condolences and guest book can be found at www.gresskallalschaaf.com
