Albert Norman Kraft, age 89, of Helena, died from complications of dementia and the heart on March 3, 2016. Al was born in Kalispell to Walter & Alma Kraft on September 24, 1926. He received his early education in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School. He enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1944 to 1946. He enrolled at Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering. While attending college, he met and married Betty Sitzman of Park City, Montana. After graduating, he worked briefly in Spokane and then moved to Helena and was employed by Morrison-Maierle Inc. consulting engineers, for over 40 years. During this time, he performed design work on various projects, including the Interstate Highway System, the Lake Koocanusa Bridge, and numerous engineering assignments in Syria, Zaire, and the Philippines.
Al was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Helena, for over 60 years and loved his Creator and Savior with whom he is now experiencing eternal life. In his spare time, he enjoyed frequent traveling to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks with Betty and family and spending time at their cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake with their children and grandchildren. He was also known for jumping on his motorcycle for an occasional ride in the mountains.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, Herbert; his oldest sister, Ruth Tyler; and infant daughter, Betty. He is survived by his wife, Betty; sons Dave (Nancy) and Doug (Teri); grandchildren Jaime (Jeff) Kicklighter, Brad (Meagan) Kraft, Andrea (Eli) Hall, and Leah Kraft; and great grandchildren Noah Kraft and Colter Hall. Other survivors include sister, Helen Jans; brother, Paul Kraft; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway St., Helena, with a reception immediately following in the social hall of the church. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2016 in the Committal Shelter at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Hero’s Road, Fort Harrison. Pastor Larry Miller will be presiding over the services.
Memorials may be sent to First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway St., Helena, Mt 59601 or Tacoma Seafarer’s Center, 1225 E. Alexander Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421.
Al’s family would like to thank Rocky Mountain Hospice, Apple Cooney Rehab nursing home and St. Peter’s Hospital for their concern and wonderful care.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Al.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday March 12, 2016
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 12, 2016
Social hall of the church
2231 Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 14, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Saturday March 12, 2016
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 12, 2016
Social hall of the church
2231 Broadway St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 14, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter
Hero's Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
Mary Jo Maierle Smallwood says
Al was a most polite, gentle man who was the eternal professional in the work environment at Morrison-Maierle. I worked closely with Al on several highway projects and felt his acceptance as an equal during those times. He possessed an easy smile and subtle sense of humor that made every one he dealt with feel comfortable and relaxed around him. I hold Al in the highest regard and know he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Rest in Peace dear friend.
John and Betty Brewer says
Betty, Dave & Nancy and family. I am so sorry for your loss but we all know Al is in Heaven with his savior and his family who have been waiting for him. He will be missed by so many who loved him. We pray that God grants you all peace in knowing he is no longer suffering. Our hearts go out to you all. May he rest in peace. Sending healing prayers and comfort. Christs love to all John and Betty Brewer
Karla Sherry says
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I always remember Al smartly dressed in a suit for Sunday service. How wonderful that you can look forward to seeing him in heaven! Praise God for His gift of eternal life! May the Lord give you comfort as you grieve.
Brianna Sitzman says
I have so many childhood memories of Uncle Al and Aunt Betty coming to visit in Park City. He was a great man who will be missed.
Jolene Murray says
Al was a very sweet man he always seemed so happy and full of life i took care of him at apple rehab (cooney) i was there from the time he came there tell the time he past i grew attached to him at once i remember sitting with him in the mornings and he was always smiling and laughing we would talk all day he always brightened my day as he got more sick i felt more sad he was an amazing man and will truly be missed by many i give my prayers to his family specially his son who i got to know while he was with us i wish we could of had many more good times miss you al
Carol Nimmick Eichler says
Dave, Nancy and all your family,
I wanted to extend my sympathy to you at the loss of your Dad. I know how hard it is to lose a parent. Please know that I am thinking about you and you are in my prayers.
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Kraft family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.