05/30/2024
With great sadness and heavy hearts, we announce that our Founder, Steven Kracht, has passed away. He was deeply loved by many and will never be forgotten. We thank you Steve for your commitment and continued support of KEMCO and our condolences to the Kracht family.
You will always be KEMCO’s #1 Chief!
Please come and celebrate Steve’s life on Sunday, June 2 at 2pm. Services will be held at First Methodist Church of Oviedo.
Obituary for Steven Robert Kracht
Steven Robert Kracht, 77, of Winter Springs, FL, passed away unexpectedly May 27, 2024.
Born on September 20, 1946 in Carroll, IA, Steven was the beloved son of Robert and Rowene Kracht. He grew up on a farm in Westside, IA and attended Ar-We-Va High School. He went on to study mathematics and drafting at the University of Northern Iowa where he met and married his sweetheart, Lynn Metcalf in 1969.
Shortly after, Steve served in the Air Force as a Minuteman missile electrician during the Vietnam War. While they were serving their time in Rapid City, SD, Steve and Lynn started their family having a baby girl, named Tiffany. After four years of service they bought a house and settled down in Indianola, IA to start a career at Keystone Electrical Manufacturing. Steve and Lynn were blessed with two more children, Mindy and Ty while living in Iowa. In 1980, Steve moved his family to central Florida to manage KEMCO Unit Control. Eight years later Steve realized one of his lifelong dreams and opened his own company, KEMCO Industries which he grew to a very successful business that is still thriving today under the leadership of his son, Ty Kracht.
Steven is survived by his wife, Lynn Kracht, three children Tiffany (Andrew) Smid, Mindy (Brian) Falls and Ty (Holly) Kracht, seven grandchildren Connor Kracht, Madison Falls, Austin Kracht, William “Hunter” Falls, Aidan Smid, Lucas Kracht and Ensley Smid, five siblings Zoy (Stan) Beck, Linn (Colleen) Kracht, Chanda (Paul) Hensen, Cory (Sherry) Kracht, Hutch (Julie) Kracht, brother-in-law Scott (Debbie) Metcalf, sister-in-law Gail (Michael) Hall and thirteen nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Rowene Kracht.
Steve had many passions in his life which included growing beautiful gardens, designing and building small and large woodwork projects, feeding the birds in his backyard, playing tennis with his long-time friends, watching sports, traveling the world with his wife, spending as much time as possible with his grandchildren and serving the Lord through the church. Raised in a large, loving family Steve learned the value and importance of family from his parents. He continued this important legacy by raising, supporting and loving his own family throughout the years. Steve was passionate about supporting many charitable organizations including First Methodist Church of Oviedo, Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation and the Methodist Children’s Home to name a few.
Steven Robert Kracht's life story is rich with love, service, and accomplishment. He was clearly a dedicated family man with a strong Christian faith. He built a successful career while nurturing his relationships with his Lord, his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family. His journey from Iowa to Florida, marked by military service and entrepreneurial endeavors, reflects a life of adventure, resilience and faith.
Steve's commitment to his community, both through his business and his charitable interests, speaks volumes about his character. It's evident that he touched many lives with his generosity and kindness, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service. To honor Steve, donations can be made to one of his chosen charitable organizations listed above.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Steve's life will be held on June 2, 2024 at First Methodist Church of Oviedo at 2 p.m. followed by a reception with lite refreshments. Steven's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their friends and family for their support during this difficult time.
