Louis "Louie" I. Kraft

Louis I. Kraft, 79 of St. Michael ND passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake.

Louis Kraft was born on August 15, 1942 in Devils Lake the son of Lambert and Katherine (Bertsch) Kraft.  He grew up in the St. Michael area and attended Warwick Public School.  Louie would eventually earn his GED with much determination and hard work. 

Louie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Claudia Brotten on April 24, 1965 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  They established their home on the Kraft farm in rural St. Michael, where they lived and raised their son, Todd through the years.  They called their home, their little piece of heaven.  Claudia passed away on April 3, 2018 after nearly 53 years of love and devotion to each other. 

From a very young age, Louie knew the value of a good work ethic and he felt fortunate to work in an industry he truly loved.  He began working as the manager of Nelson’s Truck Equipment for many years.  Louie then worked for Swanson Gravel until opening their own business.  Louie worked along side his wife as owners and operators of Quality One Hour Photo in Devils Lake for 21 years.  He realized, retirement wasn’t for him and he began working for his son at Kraft Gravel. 

When Louie wasn’t in the cab of a truck, he loved to be outdoors, tending his yard and enjoying the beauty and sounds of nature. 

Louie had a loving heart for his dear family and friends.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. 

Louie’s family include his devoted son Todd and his wife Tamy of St. Michael ND; his pride and joy granddaughters Tracy (Jake) Johnson also of St. Michael and Mindy Kraft of Wahpeton ND; precious great grandsons Hunter McKinney, Sawyer McKinney and Kolter Johnson; sisters Helen (George) Klemetsrud, Cole Harbor, ND and Pauline Kenninger of Cooperstown ND; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Sandy Kraft, Devils Lake, Cheryl (Michael) Steffan, also of Devils Lake and Doug (Michelle) Brotten of Brocket ND; several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Claudia, brothers and sister-in-law Paul and Janice Kraft and Leo Kraft, brother-in-law Allen Kenninger

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, October 29, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Steven Wirth celebrating the Mass. The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church, led by Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon.   Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery beside his beloved Claudia. 

Casket Bearers for Louie will be Rick Kurtz, Dan Kraft, Todd Hinderscheit, Jason Kraft, Joe Papachek and Tim Kraft.  Music will be provided by Patty Cote. Bringing the Eucharistic Gifts will be Louie’s great grandsons Hunter, Sawyer and Kolter.