Gil Kraft Scholarship

Gil Kraft graduated from Winona State Teachers College in 1939 with a major in Industrial Arts and minors in Social Studies and Physical Education. While he was at Winona State, he was a three-year letter winner in football as a running back.

Born in Elkton, MN, after graduating, Gil taught and coached in Kiester, MN. In 1942 he entered the military and served on the USS Pueblo in the Pacific Theater during WWII. He was discharged in the fall of 1945 and finished the year teaching in Elkton, MN. He received an M.A. Degree from Colorado State University in Industrial Technology and received an M.A. Degree from St. Cloud State University in Guidance Counseling. From 1963 until his retirement in 1979, he served as a senior high school guidance counselor in the Kasson-Mantorville High School. In addition to his teaching career, Gil also spent time as co-owner of a cabinet shop in Benson, MN, served as the District Manager for southeastern Minnesota for Farmers Insurance Group and also as a representative for J.E. Stowers & Company, an investment firm.

Gil married Elnora Moe in 1941. She was an elementary music teacher in the Kasson, MN, and Kiester, MN, school districts. Elnora passed away in 1996.

Gil has established the Gil Kraft Scholarship through the WSU Foundation for secondary education students. During his retirement he continues to pursue his interest in athletic events and outdoor activities. Gil was also a member of various area educational associations. Gil passed away March 25, 2014.

Scholarship contact is MaryAnn Flo (niece of Gil).