Donald E. Kraft, 82
Donald Ernest Kraft, 82, of Austin, died on July 9, 2009 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin.
Donald was born Aug. 19, 1926 in Elkton, Minn. to Ernest and Hildur (Larson) Kraft. He was baptized, confirmed and married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Elkton. He attended school in Elkton and served in the U.S. Army. On Aug. 22, 1948 he married Mable Hagen. Donald, an only child who lost his mother at an early age, was the proud father of nine children. Donald worked in the custodial department of Austin Public Schools for 39 years, retiring in 1991. He enjoyed time at his cabin on the lake, traveling to Florida, dancing to old time music, painting and upkeep on the house and especially loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Donald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mable Kraft, Austin; sons, Robert (Ruth)  Kraft, Oronoco, Minn.,  Dr. Richard (Suzanne)  Kraft, Anoka, Minn.,  Roy (Carol) Kraft, Crosslake, Minn., Randall Kraft, Eagan, Minn., Ronald (Sharon)  Kraft, Cleveland, Minn., Russell (Marcy)  Kraft, Celebration, Fla.; daughter, Rita (Stephen) Sand, Austin; 11 grandchildren, Annie Kraft, Shanna Kraft, John (Anne)  Sand, Timothy (Andrea)  Kraft, Joseph (Amanda) Sand, Christina (Joshua) Kraft, Tyler  Kraft, Anthony Kraft, Katelynn  Kraft, Thomas Kraft, Cole Kraft; great-grandchildren, Sienna, Arianna and Andrew  Kraft.
He was preceded in death by his son Ralph and a stillborn child Ross.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Todd Portinga, AiM officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. The organist will be Neal Erickson with soloist Marcy Kraft. Memorials are suggested to St. Olaf Lutheran Church Building Fund or the donor’s choice.
Casket Bearers will be Robert Kraft, Richard  Kraft, Roy Kraft, Randall Kraft, Ronald  Kraft and Russell Kraft.