Janet L. Kraft, 75, of Elkhorn, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center.
Janet was born May 20, 1950, in Elkhorn, the daughter of the late Lyle and Anita (Neiman) Vorpagel. She was united in marriage to Gregg W. Kraft on Nov. 14, 1970, in Lyons. Together, they had five children and fourteen grandchildren. Janet was a devoted, loving, thoughtful and supportive wife, mother, and Nanna. There wasn’t a cheese factory she did not stop at or a historical site she did not visit. She loved adventures either on the back of a motorcycle or in a car with a big engine.
Through numerous selfless acts of kindness, Janet made everyone in her family feel loved and cherished. Her legacy will live on because her family has learned through example to put others first and engage in kind and thoughtful acts. To be the recipient of such devotion, care and love will be unmatched. Her family is proud to call her Wife, Mom and Nanna. She is woven into every fabric of our lives, and we are better individuals because of the devotion she showed. Her loss will be felt deeply by all who knew her.
Janet is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Gregg; five children, Charity (Adrian) Caputo, Heather Hartzheim, Adrianne Paschke, Brandon (Kimberly) Kraft, and Ryan (Angela) Kraft; fourteen grandchildren, Ashton, Canyon, Avery, and Caelyn Caputo, Nikita and Calli Hartzheim, Hannah, Selah, Kidist, Samantha, and Ava Paschke, and Addison, Dylan, and Evelyn Kraft. Her extended family includes two siblings, Corrine Boelter and Bruce Vorpagel; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Nico Hartzheim, sister Marie, and sister-in-law Margaret Vorpagel.
A Private Family Service was held. A Celebration of Life will be held in May at a date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo.
Haase-Lockwood Funeral Home is assisting the family. For guestbook, please visit www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.