ALFRED PAUL “AL” KRAFT
November 28, 1922 ~ July 4, 2012 

Al was born on November 28, 1922 in Cuba, North Dakota to Otto and Julia (Roberg) Kraft. He attended country school and grew into manhood working on his parent’s farm and assisting neighboring farmers. At the age of 15, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and helped build the International Peace Garden on the ND and Canadian border. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army serving his country in the Pacific Theatre of World War II until honorably discharge in 1946. He met JoAnne, the love of his life, while working on her cousin’s farm in North Dakota. Al and JoAnne (McMonigal) Kraft, were united in marriage on Feb. 3, 1951 in St Paul, MN. The couple settled in St Paul. Their marriage was blessed with nine children. In 1948, Alfred started his career as a production machine repairman while employed at the St. Paul Hoist and Hydraulic Company and then for Univac. It was in 1961, that Al began his 23 year career with Honeywell, retiring in 1985. The Kraft family purchased land east of Princeton in 1973. Al and his family built their home from the ground up. This home welcomed family and friends for many years.

He enjoyed the outdoors. Al loved camping with his wife and children, farming, gardening, tending to his many apple trees, cribbage, five hundred, and baseball. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Throughout his life, Al obtained a strong belief in family values.

He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his children: Lori (Joe) Leis, Steve (Diane), Carol (Dave) Snow, Greg(Carol), Ron (Kathy), Mitzi (Dorn) Thompson, Don (Wendy), Dan (Nicole); daughter-in-law, Vonnie (Kraft) Bolle; 28 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Fred of Lake Park, MN and Curtis of Moorhead, MN; one sister, Bernice (Don) Rounds of Everett, WA, and many other family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his wife, JoAnne in August of 2009; his eldest son, Gary in 2001; his parents and 12 brothers and sisters.

Alfred Paul “Al” Kraft, peacefully passed into eternal life on July 4, 2012 surrounded by his family at the age of 89 years 7 months and 6 days.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 9th from 5PM to 8 PM in Christ Our Light Catholic Church, Princeton and continue one hour prior to the 11am funeral Service Tuesday, July 10th , Father Kevin Anderson will officiate. Burial will be in St. Edward’s Catholic Cemetery next to his beloved wife, JoAnne.