CENTRALIA — Michael Lee Kracht, 62, of Centralia, passed away peacefully Friday, April 7, 2023, with his loving family and faithful pal, Bella, by his side. Mike fought a long and brave fight with cancer.

Michael was born June 26, 1960, to Willard Kracht and Betty (Kramer) Kracht. Michael was a loving husband, brother, son, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, neighbor, and friend to so many. Mike never met a stranger and was always the first to offer assistance in any way possible.
Mike was a 1978 graduate of Centralia High School. Mike was a proud member of the fire service for over 30 years. He retired as Fire Chief with the City of Centralia in 2012. Mike was a carpenter and recently retired from Shores Builders in 2022.
Mike was a member of Fouts Christian Church and a previous member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Susan, of 31 years, two daughters: Tiffany Kracht and Jessica Miller and husband Collin all of Centralia, and son: Stephen Marlow. Mike had five grandchildren he was very proud of: Kylie Kracht, Jacob and Aiden Heern, Ryker Miller and Elijah Marlow; his brother: Gene Kracht and wife Lisa; sister-in-law: Anita Offenberger and husband Kevin; sister-in-law: Kristen Thomas; brother-in-law: Aaron Thomas; Aunt: Shirley Hall; and several nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents: Willard and Betty Kracht, his mother and father-in-law: Brady and Joann Thomas, and his brother-in-law: Alan Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jerry Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2023, at the funeral home and from 1 p.m. Tuesday until the time of service.

Memorial donations may be made to Six Lemons, Fouts Christian Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, 618-532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Kracht family.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.