Jeffrey G. Kraft

Dr. Jeffrey G. “Jake” Kraft passed away in Libby, Montana, from glioblastoma on March 8, 2026, at the age of 71. Born on November 13, 1954, in Kirksville, Missouri, Jake possessed a larger-than-life personality and a wide array of talents. He remained deeply grateful that his gifts came from the grace of God. From the early 1980s onward, he endured severe chronic pain from neck and back injuries, a struggle that repeatedly drew him back to his Lord and Savior.

Inspired at age seven by the television show Dr. Kildare, Jake pursued a career in medicine to help others. He earned his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1980 and devoted much of his career to emergency medicine. A compassionate and attentive physician, he approached each patient with a blank slate, taking time to truly listen. Patients and nurses alike appreciated his hands-on care, and specialists often relied on his exceptional skill in procedures such as inserting infant central lines and performing forceps deliveries. His medical work spanned general practice, family practice, surgery, geriatrics, and service as county coroner and oral examiner for board certifications. He practiced in numerous places including Joplin, Springfield, and Sedalia, Missouri; Wichita, Kansas; Brookhaven, Mississippi; and Great Falls, Anaconda, and Havre, Montana, while also participating in medical mission trips to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Jake loved animals, especially dogs, and found great joy in the outdoors. Trout fishing was his favorite pastime, followed closely by no-rules golf. He also enjoyed downhill skiing, scuba diving, and living with the spirit of a cowboy. In his shop he happily tinkered with mechanical and electrical devices, taking them apart and putting them back together. He was a strong advocate for independent thinking, encouraging others to question assumptions and seek truth rather than accept the status quo. A gifted storyteller with a sharp wit, he had a beautiful baritone voice, played guitar, banjo, and harmonica, spoke French and Spanish, and could read Greek. His intelligence and humor ensured that conversations with him were always enlightening and often filled with laughter.

He is survived by his sons Adam Kraft (Michelle) and Zachary Kraft (McKenzie); daughters Dana Kraft Wyrick, Lisel Spinelli (Jeff), and Alexandra Heidebrecht (Aaron); ten grandchildren; and sisters Coni Swanson (Doug) and Cathi Newton (Bugs). He was preceded in death by his parents, John Frank Kraft Jr. and Nelleta Pearl (Coffman) Pillers, and his older brother Douglas Kraft.