Paul Nelson Krofft

Paul Nelson Krofft, 96, of Port Clinton, OH, passed away, Thursday, October 02, 2014 at Edgewood Manor Nursing Center, Port Clinton, OH. Paul was born on February 04, 1918 in Continental, OH, the son of Louis Nelson and Dorothy Cleota (Huggins) Krofft. Both of his parents and a younger sister, Marjorie passed away at a very early age. He was raised by Adolph and Verna Krofft Tippett Eyth. Paul was raised as a brother to Cloyce J. Tippett and also raised with a first cousin, Clarence Lamb. He graduated 8th grade from Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School, Fremont, OH, the Class of 1936. Paul started his own cab service when he was just 18 years old in Port Clinton. On January 04, 1941, he married Julie Gerner, they were married 47 years and she preceded him in death on August 24, 1988. He married Margaret Menier on November 18, 1998 and she survives. Paul was a veteran of WWII, serving in the 397th Signal Company in the Army Air Corp, as a cryptographic technician. He was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze stars, the rifle-marksman, the Good Conduct Ribbon and the Victory Medal. During his tour of duty, he was able to visit the Vatican for midnight mass in 1944. He served in the campaigns of Rome-Arno, Rhineland, Southern France and Central Europe. After serving in WWII, he worked in the sheet metal business and opened his own business in 1950, known as Krofft Sheet Metal, which he ran until his retirement. Paul was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where he served in many ministries over the years in support of the church community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1750 and became a member of the 4th Degree. Paul was very active in all the service projects undertaken as well as serving in several offices of the organization. He was very active in the city serving on many boards and on City Council from January 1, 1964 to December 31, 1977. Paul became president of council in January 1974. His last day in office was designated, Paul N. Krofft day in tribute to his selflessness and dedication to the community. Paul was very dedicated to the city of Port Clinton. He served the Red Cross as the disaster chairman. Paul will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Survivors include: Wife: Margaret Menier; Children: Judy (Fred) Nugent of Sebring, FL, Ray (Beverly) Krofft of Oak Harbor, Kathy (Robert) Steinmiller of Oak Harbor, Nancy (Dennis) Steindam of Glendale, AZ and Christine (Matthew) Simmons of Cincinnati; Step-Daughter: Joy (Greg) Shandera; 11 Grandchildren; 2 Step-Grandsons; 9 Great-Grandchildren; 2 Step-Great-Grandchildren. Paul was preceded in death by his wife: Julie, parents: Louis Dorothy, adoptive parents: Adolph Verna, sister: Marjorie, step-brother: Cloyce J. Tippett and first cousin: Clarence Lamb. Visitation will be 4-7PM, Monday, October 06, 2014, in the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, Port Clinton, OH, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00PM. Prayers will be recited at 9:30am, Tuesday, October 07, 2014 in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted by Father John Missler at 10:00AM, Tuesday, October 07, 2014 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton. Interment will be in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Paul may be given to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Stein Hospice.