Ernest (Ernie) Arthur Kraut, 86, of Sun City AZ., died on September 10, 2026, after battling cancer. Ernie was born on January 30, 1940, in Long Beach, California to Gustav Otto Rudolph “Rudie” Kraut and Myrtle May (Parsons) Kraut.

After graduating high school, after one year in college, he enlisted in the Army.

He met his soulmate Patricia Ann McMullen in the summer of 1960, and they were married on October 12, 1962, and had three children, Maryann, Phillip, and Peter.

He served in the Army for slightly over 20 years and upon retiring from military service he went to work as a computer systems engineer for a contracted civilian defense company.

He loved his family, doted on his wife, and played with his grandchildren at every opportunity to do so.

After retiring he spent his time traveling around the United States and internationally with his wife and at times his children and their families. He retired to Arizona where he loved to do woodwork like his father before him. His projects were varied and beautiful. They included turning bowls, pieces of furniture and toys for children. He dabbled with stained glass and during the last few years he started drawing and painting.

Ernie spent many hours volunteering where he lived. On the day of his death, he received the Crystal Award posthumously for his many hours of volunteerism, including supporting Veterans Events.

Ernie was predeceased by his wife Patricia (McMullen) Kraut, his parents Gustav “Rudie” Kraut and Myrtle (Parsons) Kraut, sister Barbara (Kraut) Andrew’s, brother-in-law Jerald Andrews, brother-in-law Richard Lowe, and nephews Bryan Andrews and Anthony Kraut.

Survived by his brother Robert Kraut (Jane), daughter Maryann Krutsick (Joseph), sons Phillip Kraut (Ika) and Peter Kraut (Lesli). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren Amanda Krutsick, Andrew Kraut (Cammi), Katherine Krutsick, Rachel Kraut, Daniel Krutsick, Evelyn Kraut, and Alexander Kraut.