Emily Virginia Kraft, born July 5, 1922 went to her heavenly home in the arms of angels on Monday, April 15, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Mary Hoffer; seven siblings. Emily will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Marion (John) Shimel; sister-in-law, Karen Hoffer; many nieces and nephews and ex-husband, George Kraft. A graduate of South High School, Emily attended Mercy School of Nursing in Toledo and Toledo University. Her first job was at Saint Mary’s Hospital in 1952. She worked for an allergist for a couple of years before deciding to foray into the field of industrial medicine, working at the Doehler-Jarvis Division of the National Lead Co. and Lear Siegler in the 1950’s and early 60’s. She then got a call from Steelcase. They said they didn’t have a medical department, the person they needed would have to start from scratch, and they would have to depend solely on her judgment. Emily, a pioneer in occupation health nursing in West Michigan, founded the Steelcase Medical Department and turned its growth from a one room one person department to a modern 14,000 square foot facility with a staff of 27. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held will be held 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Troy Nevins officiating. Burial at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the church on Wednesday from 10-11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to IHM Church.

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 22, 2019 6:15am
Emily is a first cousin to my Mother, Louise Nassar Philippi. Her daughters, Eileen, Barbara and Evelyn remember Aunt Emily as a vibrant, friendly and humorous lady. We visited often as children. May her memory be eternal.

- Eileen Philippi Adolphson

April 18, 2019 7:37am
I was one of the many at Steelcase that Emily took care of " Back in the Day ". She truly was a pioneer for our company. Thank You for your service Dear Emily and may you Rest In Peace

- Rick Walendzik

April 17, 2019 12:26pm
Aunt Emily I remember when you and Uncle George would come to Kansas to visit us and we would go bowling. Who knew "Brooklyn" was a bowling term to be yelled at the top of your lungs HA HA! We will miss you terribly! Please tell Mom we love her when you see her.

- Vikki Davis

April 17, 2019 10:01am
Blessings to Ms. Emily as she has entered into her new forever home. Karen Hoffer bless you for your care and time spent with Ms. Emily. Diane W.

- Diane Wrobleski

April 17, 2019 8:08am
So sorry to hear that Emily passed but rejoice that she has joined her siblings in Heaven. My thoughts are with the entire family.

- Brenda Thornburg




Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

$100 + $15 Delivery Fee

Thinking of You Basket

$40 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Garden

$78 + $15 Delivery Fee

Stargazer Easel Spray

$150 + $15 Delivery Fee

Sincere Sympathy Garden

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

$30 + $15 Delivery Fee

Remembrance Easel Spray

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Natures Glory

$55 + $15 Delivery Fee

Loving Embrace

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Gerbera Greetings

$50 + $15 Delivery Fee

Colorful Memories Wreath

$315 + $15 Delivery Fee

Classic Sympathy

$65 + $15 Delivery Fee

Blooming Duo

$60 + $15 Delivery Fee

Bells of Beauty

$130 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Memories

$175 + $15 Delivery Fee

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

$240 + $15 Delivery Fee

Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.