Mary M. Kraft, 83 of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital.
Mary, the daughter of Arnold and Regina Martinson was born on March 21, 1940, at Cando, ND. She grew up and was educated in Devils Lake.
Mary was united in marriage to Lawrence Kraft on April 15, 1958, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. They made their home in Devils Lake where Lawrence was manager of Central Ready Mix and Mary was the sales manager. For most of Mary’s working life, she was an insurance agent for Combined Insurance. Lawrence died on Sept. 23, 1985. Mary continued to call Devils Lake home until her death.
Mary was a devoted wife and mother. In her younger years, Mary was a Boy Scout Leader and enjoyed playing darts. Mary was a “people person” and loved time at church and church activities, going to the casino to visit with old friends and make new ones. She was known for her delicious brownies and made sure she had them as a treat whenever she had company or at family events.
Mary faced the challenges in her life with faith in the promises of her Savior. She was widowed at a very young age and mother to five children. She always did her best to encourage them, provide for them and love them unconditionally.
Mary’s loving family that survive are her two sons Kurtis Kraft and Kevin Kraft and his wife Kim all of Devils Lake; daughter-in-law Brenda Kraft, Devils Lake; son-in-law Kirk Broughton; ten grandchildren Kenneth Kraft: Kevin (Talice) Kraft Jr., Michael (Jessica) Kraft, Nathan (Tanya) Kraft; Chelsi (Ryan) Schroeder, Courtney (Connor) Schmidt: Stephonie (Justin Feist) Broughton, Kimberly (Josh) Anderson: Jolea Kraft, Addison Kraft; twelve great grandchildren Kole and Khloe Kraft, Ariana and Braylon Longie: Amelia, Oscar and Leona Kraft: Lilly and Ellie Kraft; Maggie Anderson: Madilynn Schroeder and Brody Kraft: several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, son and daughter-in-law Keith and Laurie Kraft, daughter Kristina “Tina” Kraft Broughton, son Karl Kraft and in-laws Joseph and Julia Kraft.
Visitation was on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, Rosary and Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. led by Deacon Ken Severinson. A Funeral Service was on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home with burial in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. A time of fellowship was held at the St. Joseph Parish Center following the burial.
