/ ECS / Dennis H. Krafft
“I am so utterly grateful for the life opportunities that make themselves available when approaching with an open and inviting attitude, all of which is developed through a background of service as promoted by my involvement with 4-H and all it stands for.”
Saginaw County 4-H’er Dennis Krafft started his professional career in a management position in a lumber company, to its eventual owner for 7 years. He then became a banker spending 20 years as a commercial lender and six years as bank president. He then served 12 years as health care chief financial officer for Lutheran Home for 12 years. He currently is a business consultant for the Frankenmuth Credit Union.
Krafft is active within his local community serving on the Frankenmuth school board for 14 years holding the position of treasurer for the majority of those years. Additionally, he served 32 years as a volunteer fire fighter for the Frankenmuth Fire Department and chaired the 100th anniversary celebration of the fire department. As an active member the St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, Krafft has been the past chairman of Congregation of nearly 4,000 members in addition to serving on the board of elders, the real estate fund and board of trustees. He was secretary for the Frankenmuth Community Foundation and is a certified board member for the Michigan Association of School Boards where he is involved in leadership training, labor contract negotiation, school finance, special education challenges and selection of the school district superintendent. He has also served as past president of Frankenmuth Rotary Club, chaired the Replant the Trees fund drive and was a member of the Committee of Economic Development for Michigan Association of Countries. Additionally, he has been involved with the Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce, Historical Association and the Softball Association. He also enjoys officiating youth basketball and football games.
Because of 4-H, I get to travel to places I may not otherwise visit. In our travel club, we visit different places, see new sites, experience different ways to travel, and learn about new cultures. Because of 4-H, I got a passport!
— Lauren Eichhorn, Menominee County
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he Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award recognizes 4-H volunteers who exhibit excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership in agriculture-related areas. 2024 4-H Salute to Excellence Award winners pictured include Robert Richards (left) and Jennifer Specht (right). Click on the button below to view all of the 2024 4-H Legacy Award winners!