Edward "Ed" J. Kraft

Edward J. “Ed” Kraft, 82 of Devils Lake passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving, caring family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, March 11^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Edward Joseph was born on April 28, 1937 to Joseph and Julianna (Volk) Kraft in St. Michael where he grew up on the family farm. His father owned a service station on 1^st Street so he was around cars from an early age.  Ed drove many different vehicles throughout his life and always had a project stirring in his head.  He was a man of many talents.  Ed proudly served his country as a soldier in the United States Army. 

Ed was united in marriage to Agnes Ann Bertsch on September 12, 1960. They established their first home in Devils Lake by Monteiths Meats.  Eugene was the first born, Patsy followed a year later and Allen the year after that!  Then Donnie came two years after that. WOW! Lisa came 6 years later, after moving to the home on West 9^th Street where they remain today. 

Ed worked over 55 years at Holbeck’s Water Well Service and after a hard day on the job, he would come home and work late hours in his shop behind their house. He worked on tractors, boats, motorcycles, cop cars, etc… There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix.  His children now share his love of cars and being in the outdoors.  Ed worked hard in his shop to earn extra money so he could take his family camping and on vacations. 

Ed and Agnes had 5 children and he was always teaching them things. He was forever inventing awesome cars and building things no one has unvented yet.  He could have been a millionaire many times over, but chose a quiet life and was content with just his family’s love.  He didn’t want much and never complained about anything.  He was always making people laugh and said he loved the time he spent with his grandchildren and enjoyed his time spent at the lake most of all.  Nothing made him happier than spending time there. He had the birds and squirrels almost eating out of his hands. 

Eddy had many nicknames over the years. In the early 80’s he was known as “Mr. Dynamite” for the time his fish house was too frozen down and he couldn’t move it, so he put a couple blasting caps on each side and blew it up! We heard in later years that some pieces were found on top of the Country Club’s Lodge. Ha! He always enjoyed telling that story. Eddie was also known as “Crazy Legs” when he danced.  He called it the “nine step”! He loved dancing and people loved watching him and Agnes glide across the floor.  They moved so gracefully together and their love of each other was evident as they floated effortlessly in each others arms.  They were a couple whose two hearts clearly beat as one.  He was also called “Fast Eddy” for his uncanny ability to make cars FAST! He loved building engines and helped many people “beef up” their cars over the years.  Of course his children always had unique vehicles also thanks to his ability to make anything work.  All of Eddy’s brothers loved cars, but Ed was the man to go to for making them go fast! He loved power not only in cars but he was known for having outlets and switches everywhere! He was a master when it came to making things easier and convenient. He was always thinking ahead and trying to make everyone around him comfortable and happy.

He loved to keep busy and enjoyed the many years he worked at Holbecks Water Well Service. The owner Les Johnson and Eddy shared a special bond and expressed to his family before his passing that he wanted to thank Les for always letting him do his own thing at the shop and he was thankful for his customers over the years in his garage at home and at Holbecks. He loved his work and enjoyed helping people.  Nothing made him happier than making things easier for others and making them laugh. 

Although Ed loved his cars and work, he especially loved his time with family and going fishing. Many people in Devils Lake consider him a fishing legend! During his healthy years he fished 300 days a year! He prided himself on being the first and last person on the ice during the winter season.  Ed was never afraid of danger and trying new things. He fished through many wild storms and even survived being struck by lightning! Ha!

He was a strong but kind man and he was a mentor/teacher of many things to all who knew him. His children will always ask themselves when confronted with a problem, “What would Dad do?...

Edward will be remembered as a legendary man of many, many talents and will live in our hearts forever.

God bless you Edward and all you have given to others during your time on earth! God will be lucky to have you and your never ending wisdom in his Kingdom… Save some whoppers for us!!!

Those who loved him with all their hearts include his wife of nearly 60 years Agnes; children Eugene (Loretta) Kraft, St. Michael, ND, Patricia “Patsy” Kraft, Crookston, MN, Allen (Lisa) Kraft, Wahpeton, ND, Donavon Kraft, Devils Lake and Lisa (Jeff) Dosch also Devils Lake; grandchildren Christopher (Chrystle) Edland, Jessy, Amanda, Lacie, Brandy, Macie and Monique Kraft, Ariel (Andrew) Sand, Hunter Dosch, Juan Jose “JJ” Facio, and Candi (Billy) Brown; great grandchildren Otto Edland, Dallas McGrew, Patricia Brenna, Haleigh Jo and Sophia Brown, Lily Muller; brother Daniel Kraft, St. Michael, sisters Veronica (Dave) Saxburg, Cooperstown, ND, Margaret (Leo) Kainz, Jamestown, ND, Mary (Dan) Rutten, Moorhead, MN, Maggie (Eugene) Garman, Monticello, MN and Dorothy Comer, Oberon, ND; several beloved in-laws and many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Julianna, brothers Frank and Lawrence Kraft, sisters Eva McLean, Eleanor Pace and Julianna Spidahl and his in-laws Alex and Lena (Schall) Bertsch.