Hall of Fame
Lester Kraft played football for the Flyers from 1951-1955.
Kraft had the reputation as being a hard-nosed multi-purpose football player.
During his four years at Lewis, Kraft played three different positions – defensive back, offensive halfback and both offensive and defensive end. His 1951, 1953 and 1954 teams were Midlands’ Conference champions.
Kraft was named to the All-Catholic All-American Team in 1954. He was voted first president of the Letterman’s Club in 1953. Upon graduation, Kraft joined the Marine Corps where he served two and one-half years on active duty and five years in the reserve. He holds a rank of Captain with the Marines.
Kraft joined the Chicago Sun-Times in 1957 as a classified advertising manager. In 1963 he joined Rockwell International, Westmont, Illinois, as a sales representative. He was named Vice-President of Sales in 1972 and in 1978 he was named Vice-President of Marketing. In 1985, he was named Vice-President and General Manager of the Newspaper Press Division.
Kraft and his wife, Lois, reside in Burr Ridge, Illinois. They have three children – Kenton, Kimberly and Kevin.
