John G. Kraft

John G. Kraft, 88 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Monday, June 19, 2017 at Eventide Heartland Care Center in the loving care of his family and Altru Hospice.  John George, son of John and Alisia (Sander) Kraft was born on January 16, 1929, at home, rural St. Michael, Benson County, North Dakota. He grew up at St. Michael and attended Mission School #1, rural St. Michael.  He had to help on the family farm at a young age and he also worked for area farmers.  For a time he worked for the State of North Dakota at Camp Grafton.  John served with the United States Army, during the Korean War. He served in Korea with the 539th TT Company as a truck driver.  He was honorably discharged on March 26, 1953 with the rank of Private First Class and as the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars.  After discharge, John returned to the Lake Region area and was united in marriage to his beloved Frances Eback on May 27, 1953 at Minnewaukan. They established their home in Devils Lake where they worked, raised their family and lived a beautiful life together until Frances’s death on September 28, 1995.  John’s career was working construction for the Risovi-Kurtz Construction Company (later Kurtz Construction) for 37 years. He was a dedicated, hard-working employee.  After retiring from Kurtz Construction, John worked on his own as a finish carpenter for many years.  He also worked in the Maintenance Department at Mercy Hospital from 1989-1994, again putting his carpentry talents to good use.  John served his God and country the best he could. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.  He also enjoyed membership in the Eagles Lodge.  His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa.  He had a real passion for construction and carpentry and the variety of challenges it offered.  In his younger years farming was a joy in his life and in later years, a day of fishing with family and friends was always a good day whether you caught your limit or not.  John was a great story teller and we looked forward to hearing his stories.  The way he told them was so encapsulating and pulled you right in and most of the time also made you laugh.  We love you and will miss you always. John is survived by his loving family. His children Dorothy (James) Schneider, Bismarck, ND, Kenneth (Tammy) Kraft, Burlington, ND, John (Karri) Kraft also of Bismarck, Joseph Kraft, Devils Lake, Steven Kraft, Grand Forks, ND, Karen (Kenneth) Feldner, Starkweather, ND, Donna (Jon) church and Marilyn Azure all of Grand Forks; twelve grandchildren; four step grandchild; eight great grandchildren; sisters Ann (Fred) Bingham, Devils Lake; brothers Mike (Kathy) Kraft and Joe (CeCe) Kraft all of Devils Lake and Louie (Phyllis) Kraft, St. Michael, ND; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Frances; son-in-law Peter Azure; brothers Tony, Frank, Sebastian, Peter and Emil Kraft; sisters Elizabeth Matthews and Mary Kuntz; in-laws George and Frances Eback. Casket Bearers are John’s Grandsons, Ryan Schneider, Tyler Piatz, Taylor Azure, Austin Azure, Andrew Azure and Travis Feldner and grandson-in-law Tim Smith. Reading the Scriptures will be John’s Granddaughters Jacklyn Kraft and Mandy Smith and Gift Bearers will be grandchildren Kayla Piatz, Lexi Kraft, Vanessa Kraft, Kristi Feldner, Jenny Bittle, Cirinity Church, Johnathon Church and James Church.   Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held on Monday, June 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. John will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Army.  Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 4:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus and Father Alex King will officiate.   Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass.