Duane Kenneth Kraft

Duane K. Kraft, 69 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on September 30, 2010 peacefully at his home after a long battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial for Duane will be on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND with Fr. Dale Kinzler celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Duane will be Doug Kraft, Ed Miller, Sheldon Severtson, Dann Heit, Todd Curtis,Cory Johnson,Rick Lysne and Willard Mattson. Music will be provided by Kensi Kjelden and JoDee Lagein. Duane Kenneth was born on January 10, 1941 in Devils Lake, the loving son of Adam and Eva (Bachmeier) Kraft. He was raised in Devils Lake and received his high school education at St. Mary’s Academy. He married Beverly Patnoude on July 2, 1960. They were married for 31 years and raised three children together. Duane later shared his life with his devoted and loving companion, Karen Maloney. Duane was employed by Heit Construction Company for over 40 years. He was a skilled and meticulous carpenter and mason. Duane had many passions in life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, loading his own shells. Many sports trophies lined his shelves as he was an accomplished athlete. He was recently inducted into the local softball Hall of Fame. Bowling was also a huge part of his life, as a longtime league bowler winning many awards. He always enjoyed a good card game too, and created many life-long friends through his activities. Duane was a member of the Eagles and Elks Lodges and also Ducks Unlimited. Duane’s family was very important to him. Spending time with his new great grandson brought him much joy. Over the years, he especially enjoyed watching and critiquing his children and grandsons in their sports activities, which he did up to his last days with us. Duane will be dearly missed by his the family surviving him; special friend, Karen Maloney; son, Kevin Kraft (Tricia Lovin); daughters, Charlotte Kraft, and Kimberly Kraft (Rick Lysne); grandsons Justin Kraft (Brittany Brown), and Nathan Miller; great grandson, Easton Adam Kraft; brother, Pius Kraft; sisters, Marlene (Joe) Bertsch, all of Devils Lake, and sister Donna Clune (Marshall Wells) of Edmonds, Washington; Karen’s dear family; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Duane was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Mary Kraft, many aunts, uncles, and cousins.