On January 23, 2025, Raymond E. Kraft, JR., 88, of Gary, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends at the Fargo Veterans Hospital.
Born on April 21, 1936, in Gary, to the late Raymond SR. and Esther (Schlenz) Kraft, Raymond grew up on the family farm in rural Gary alongside his four siblings: Ramona, Rhoda, Ralph, and Roger. He was confirmed April 2, 1950, in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strand Township and he attended the Wild Wood Country school before transferring to Twin Valley, graduating with the class of 1954. Raymond served in the U.S. Army as a truck driver from 1958 to 1960, stationed in Crailshiem, Germany. Raymond shared many animated stories of the hard work, but fun times, he and his Army buddies had renting a car and exploring various European Countries over the course of his service. After his honorable discharge, Raymond returned home to the family farm, where he dedicated his life to hard work and the land he loved. He continued farming with perseverance and pride until his retirement in recent years.
Raymond met his wife, Charlotte (Ystenes), and the two were married in 1968. Together, they built a life rooted in farming and family, settling on their rural Gary farm where they spent over 50 years raising their beloved family.
Raymond enjoyed working with cattle and he milked cows until the buyout program in 1987. He continued to raise beef cattle and grain crops throughout his time as a farmer. Raymond had a great love for the outdoors and took pride in his work, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to the success of his farming operation. Additionally, he liked to hunt and trap, especially gopher trapping, in the later years.
A man of strong faith, Raymond was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as the recording secretary from October 1965 until its closure in 1970. Following that, he continued his dedication to his faith as an elder at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Raymond was an avid sports enthusiast who spent many years playing softball and cheering on his favorite teams, the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. In his later years, he enjoyed listening to KRJB radio broadcasts of local high school sports, staying connected to the games he loved. He attended countless sporting events for his children and grandchildren, always proudly cheering them on to victory.
Raymond was a devoted father who raised his six children with support and guidance, strongly influencing their lives. He also made a meaningful impact on the lives of his thirteen grandchildren, creating lasting memories and sharing his wisdom. His strong values and commitment to family leave behind a legacy that will endure for generations.
He is survived by children: Ryan of Southern Pines, NC; Scott (Jeni) of Moorhead, MN; Jason (Raquel) of Twin Valley, MN; RaChelle Boman of Twin Valley; Rick of Gary; Randy (Tabitha) of Sabin, MN; grandchildren: Zack, Derrick, Dominick, Isaac, McKayla, Hunter, McKenna, Rylee, Aaron, Tori, Noah, Annabelle, and Titan; great-grandchildren: Liam, Jade, Colton, Jackson, Kyanna, Nevaeh, and Cora; sister, Ramona Weaver; and brothers, Ralph (Sharon) and Roger (Joyce). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlotte; sister, Rhoda; brother-in-law, Joe; and infant sister, Ruth.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation starting one hour prior, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, MN. Burial and military honors will take place at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.
