Ernest William Kraft

On December 28, Ernest William Kraft passed away in his sleep, taking his final ride on to a much greater place.

Ernie was born May 10, 1927 to Lewis and Velma Kraft in Sargent County, North Dakota.  He had one sister and four brothers.  He married Jane JoAnn Furan on November 27, 1949 in Oakes, N.D.

In 1954 Ernie & JoAnn moved to Moiese  where they farmed and raised their family.  Ernie was also employed at the National Bison Range for 30 years.  He enjoyed his work there as he was able to work with  horses and meet lots of people.

Ernie is proceeded in death by his parents Lewis & Velma Kraft, his son Mike Kraft, his sister Eleanor Perkins, his brothers Clifford & Walter Kraft.

He is survived by the following; his wife of 64 years, JoAnn Kraft, two brothers Kenneth Kraft of Boise Idaho, & Ray Kraft of Hot Springs. His sons, Christopher (Barbara Hall) of Dillon, Mont., Mark (Carol) Kraft of Missoula. Two daughters Brenda (Darrell) Cook of Ronan, and Deb Kraft of Missoula. Five grandchildren, Adam (Jane Peterson) Kraft of Hailey, Idaho, Jason (Casey) Kraft of Hailey, Idaho, Naomi (Mathew) Mock of Ronan, Nicole (Jason) LaRance of Missoula, and Nina (Jeff Mumby) Cook of Kila. He also has ten great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and other friends that had come into his life and become part of his family.

There will be no service at this time.  As for Dad’s wishes we will have a service in warmer weather so family and friends won’t have to travel in unpredictable weather.

Even though neither of our parents have been diagnosed with Alzheimers or CJD, any one who wishes to make a donation in honor of Ernie’s name, we would suggest  help find a cure for Alzheimers: Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011,Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (earmarked CJD), 16000 Clifton Rd, Atlanta Ga 30333 or to any cause of their choice.  

The family would like to give a huge thanks to the staff members of  Home Health, Hospice, The Retreat, St Joseph’s Assisted Living, St Luke Healthcare and the doctors and nurses of Providence St Joseph’s clinic for the great care our father received the last months of his life.