Memory of Trevor Kraft: Support his Beloved Son

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I announce the sudden passing of my best friend, Trevor Kraft. I had the privilege of knowing Trevor for over 20 years, ever since we started working together back when I was in high school. Trevor was more than just a coworker; he was a brother to me. He had an unmatched work ethic, pouring his heart into everything he did, whether it was his concrete work, his friendships, or most of all, being an amazing dad to his son, Emil.

Trevor was the kind of guy who could light up any room he walked into. He had a massive heart and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. He made every situation better, every day brighter. You could always count on Trevor to have a huge smile on his face and laughter in his voice. There was never a moment with him where you weren’t smiling or laughing. His energy was contagious, and his presence so strong, you just wanted to be around him. And of course, if you were with him, you’d likely have a drink in your hand—once the work was done and the concrete poured.

Trevor was the life of the party, the one whose voice you could hear from miles away, whose laugh and humor brought joy to everyone around him. His Snapchat and Instagram stories were legendary—his daily videos, packed with his classic one-liners and infectious laughter, never failed to make you smile. I can still hear that laugh, as clear as if he were sitting right beside me.

When Trevor wasn’t working or making us all laugh, you could find him working on his beloved Mustang, as he’d say, "driving the piss out of her." That car was a part of him. But beyond all the cars, concrete, and good times, Trevor’s heart and soul belonged to his little boy, Emil. Emil was his pride and joy, his mini sidekick. Trevor talked about him constantly, always saying how much he “loved that little man.” They did everything together—fishing, going for rides, playing video games, even hitting the gym. Trevor’s world revolved around Emil, and everything he did was for him.

I will forever be grateful that I had the chance to spend the last weekend with Trevor. It was a weekend I’ll never forget, where we worked on what would be our final project together. We had no idea how we were going to pull it off, but as always, we figured it out together, just like old times.

I’ll always cherish the moment I had in the truck with Emil so he could play with my son, Julian, at home instead of being stuck at the job site. On the drive there, all Emil could talk about was his dad—"My dad" this, "my dad" that. It was heartwarming to hear how proud Emil was of Trevor. He was beaming with excitement about starting Tae Kwon Do, and all the things they were going to do together. When we got home, we found the kids building Legos at the dining room table. Emil, the professional Lego builder, was so patient, helping his buddy Julian out. My wife, Sami, laughed and said, "Awe, it’s like a mini Trevor and Josh." And in that moment, it was true—you could tell within five minutes that Emil is truly a mini Trevor. His goofiness, his kindness, the little looks he gives,it’s all Trevor.

Our last conversation at that table was Trevor telling me about all the plans he had for Emil, how excited he was to watch him "kick some ass" in Tae Kwon Do. When I walked him out that night, the last thing he said was, “Goodnight, Josh. Bye, Julian. Bye, Sami,” with the biggest smile on his face as he ran out the door with Emil by his side.

If I had known, I would have pulled Trevor in and given him the proper goodbye he deserved. But I’ll hold onto that moment, and every memory we shared, close to my heart forever.

Creating a GoFundMe in honor of Trevor is a beautiful way to give back and help his son in the same way he was always there for everyone else. Trevor dedicated his life to providing for his son, Emil, and it's clear that his biggest dream was to ensure Emil had a bright future. By contributing to this fund, we can help continue Trevor's legacy and support Emil in the years to come, just as Trevor would have wanted.

These funds will go directly towards Emil’s future—whether it's his education, activities, or anything else he may need. Trevor worked tirelessly to provide for his son, and it’s our turn to step in and give Emil the same love and support that Trevor gave to all of us. Let’s honor his memory by coming together and ensuring Emil is taken care of, the way Trevor always envisioned.

Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference and show how much Trevor meant to all of us. Together, we can help Emil the way Trevor would have helped any one of us.

Trevor was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. His passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts, but his memory will live on in all of us—through the laughs, the stories, and the love he shared so freely. Rest easy, brother. You will never be forgotten.

-Josh Hoeber