Raymond J. "Ray" Kraft

Raymond J. “Ray” Kraft, 78, a life long resident and businessman of Devils Lake, ND, passed away early Sunday morning April 10, 2016 at Mercy Hospital in Devils Lake. His wife Christine and family were at his bedside. Raymond Jerome, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Schafer) Kraft was born on October 29, 1937 at Devils Lake, ND. After graduating from Saint Mary’s Academy he worked for Boeing Airlines in Seattle, Washington. Eventually returning to Devils Lake where he met the love of his life Christine Rose Steffen. Ray and Christine were married on September 23, 1959 at the St Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They established their home in Devils Lake and together raised their 5 boys. Ray started his own painting and decorating business over 50 years ago. His son Randy joined the business over 35 years ago, they became partners in 1994 and together they operated a very successful business. Ray’s other four sons also participated in the business during summer breaks and when help was needed. Ray was a master painter and decorator until 2008, he was forced to hang up his paint brush for health reasons and retired to spend time with Christine. Ray loved playing music on his guitar. He started a band called “The Skylarks” and they performed waltzes, polkas and old time music. Ray also performed with many other local bands over the years and was well known in the surrounding community, nursing homes and dance halls. Music was a passion and jam sessions were always welcomed. Ray also enjoyed sports. He was especially a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins. Ray and his boys made several trips to Minneapolis to watch live football and enjoy time together. Ray had many talents and hobbies that included picture taking and videography, drawing, sketching and entertaining at the local nursing homes. He was always interested in helping Christine with her activities that included wedding cake design, decorating and many small businesses; he was always there to support and help. During Ray and Chris’s free time they enjoyed traveling together. A few places they have visited include: Hawaii, Nevada, California, Washington, Alaska, Arizona, Mexico, and Canada. Ray always had a smile on his face. He was a great caregiver to his family and the love of his life “Christine”. He was a very spiritual person, who loved to watch EWTN and would pray the rosary daily. Because of his faith and commitment he was very brave and ready to face the new life during his final moments. Ray and Chris were blessed to be able to stay in their own home for years due to the loving care of their granddaughter, Amanda. Ray and Christine celebrated more than 55 years of marriage with their family and dear friends. They were extremely committed to each other and were inseparable. True love is what they have and experienced. He was a life member of the Knights Of Columbus, Eagles and Elks. And a highlight of his life was the “Unsung Hero” award received in 2007. Ray will be truly missed by his wife Christine, sons and spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all his friends in the in the community. He was a true role model on how you should live your life, respect and love your fellow man and stay true to your faith. Ray’s loving family include his wife 56 plus years, Chris; sons Terry and Vicki Seaberg of Fargo; Steve and his wife Tamy of Crookston, MN, Randy and his wife Traci, Devils Lake and Danny and his wife Jennifer also of Fargo; daughter-in-law Lesa Kraft, Devils Lake; ten grandchildren Savannah, Sierra and Sadie Kraft, Michael (Ashley) and Mitchell (Kristina) Kraft, Todd (Jackie) Kraft and Amanda (David) Reed, Nathaniel, Nicholia and Natasha Kraft; great grandchildren Michelle and Robbie; many nieces, nephews brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Todd A. Kraft and brother Albert and his wife Marian Kraft. Ray would like to thank all of his customers for their loyalty. Ray truly loved his career in painting. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Church on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus and the Scripture Service by Father John Evans. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Ray will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Casket Bearers for Ray will be Todd, Mike, Mitch, Nathan and Nick Kraft and David Reed. Honorary Bearers are Savannah, Sierra, Sadie, and Natasha Kraft and Amanda Reed. Reading the Scriptures will be Amanda Reed and Sierra Kraft. Gift Bearers will be Karen and Dave Nick and Jeanne Nahinurk. Music will be provided by Tom Burckhard, Sherry Kurtz and Audrey Myklebust.