Sharon L. Kraft's Obituary
Sharon L. Kraft, age 77, of Spring Lake passed away peacefully into glory on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at American House in Spring Lake. She was born May 1, 1943 in Claresholm, Alberta to Rev. Henry and Irene (Schuringa) Petersen. Her father was a Christian Reformed minister, so they moved occasionally from one parish to another as God called him. Most of her childhood years were spent in Platte, SD where she graduated from Dakota Christian High School.
She attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, then graduated from University of Michigan with her BSN in 1966. Later, she earned her MSN from Wayne State University. She was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. She worked as a public health and community health nurse in Oakland and Wayne Counties. Maternal Child Health was her passion, and she loved to be around and support mothers and their babies. She always had time for new moms and giving advice as needed. She was a Lamaze childbirth educator and a Lactation Consultant. She started in private practice and support groups such as La Leche League, then worked at North Oakland Medical Center in Pontiac, MI, Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI, and Spectrum Health. She was a long time member of International Lactation Consultants Association, West Michigan Association of Lactation Consultants, and Nurse’s Christian Fellowship. She had an insatiable curiosity and desire for learning more about science and medicine and was fascinated by what she learned.
Sharon was a current member of Covenant Life Church, where her faith and her church family were a big part of her life. Her Women’s Bible Study and Covenant Group were near and dear to her. Their love and support have been invaluable. She was a past volunteer in Stephen Ministry and at the Lakeshore Pregnancy Center. She was a devoted follower of Christ and loved scripture and worshipping her Savior. She was a strong supporter of mission work. Singing, praising God, and playing piano and organ were special talents and brought her much joy. We know that she is enjoying eternal worship in heaven with Jesus and is delighted to be reunited with her loved ones who went before her.
When she moved to her father’s hometown of Grand Haven, she fell deeper in love with the area and the community. Favorite pastimes were reading, walking the pier, enjoying the beaches and Lake Michigan, and nature walks in the parks. She welcomed many into her home and loved to have visitors and show off the area. Most of her family did not live nearby, but that just gave her an excuse to pursue her love of traveling and adventure. She traveled all over the country and sometimes the world to visit her siblings and children, and of course her grandchildren. She also traveled to Europe, the Philippines, and the Holy Land. She bravely tried many new experiences on those trips. She cherished her family, loved to reminisce and share stories, and to engage in good natured teasing. She was so proud of her family and their lives and accomplishments.
Sharon is survived by six children: Karen (Jeffrey) Hummel of Greenfield, IN, William Kraft, of Waterford, Rebecca (Scott) Touzel of Bryson City, NC, Samuel (Allison) Kraft of Johnstown, OH, Elizabeth Lesniak of Pownal, ME, and Alicia Kraft of Chicago, IL; grandchildren: Heather Hummel, Nathan Hummel, Peter Hummel, Danial Touzel, Marinna Touzel, Hannah Touzel, Faith Touzel, Amara Touzel, David Kraft, Zachariah Kraft, and Katrina Lesniak. She is also survived by her brothers, Don of Grand Haven, Karl (Diane) of Vancouver, BC, Kenneth (Deb) of Andover, MN, and Keith (Yolande) of Modesto, CA; sister Nancy (Lloyd) Peckham and sister-in-law Donna (Dale) of S. Ogden, UT; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Dale and sister, Shirley Petersen.
A celebration of Sharon’s life will take place later this summer. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Sharon may be given to Covenant Life Church, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and Brain Support Network. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
The family is being served by The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
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