Erwin H. Kreft, 94, of Natoma died on Monday, February 9, 2009 at the Hays Good Samaritan Nursing Home.  He was born on the family farm north of Natoma on February 10, 1914, the son of William and Katherine E. (Deschner) Kreft.

Erwin grew up and attended school in Natoma and graduated from Natoma High School.  He met and fell in love with Lorene Agnes Nagel, they were united in marriage on August 2, 1942 in Natoma.  From this union they were blessed with five children Nyla, Eileen, Marilyn, Leonard and Garnold.  Lorene preceded him in death on September 8, 1995.  Erwin lived and worked on the family farm for most of his life.  He loved being a farmer and raising his pure breed Angus cows.  He also enjoyed woodworking and often you could find him crafting a piece of wood to make something special for his grandchildren.  He was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Natoma and a longtime member of the American Angus Association.

Surviving family include daughters Nyla Seaman and husband Bill of Natoma, Eileen Wineland and husband Larry of Otis, KS, Marilyn Locke and husband John of Houston, TX, ; sons Leonard Kreft and wife Diane of Great Bend, KS and Garnold Kreft and wife Koya of Cozad, NB; 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters.