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In Memory Of

Nancy M. Kraft, age 69, of Helena

July 27, 1952 – July 26, 2022

Nancy M. Blessinger Kraft, 69

Nancy left her earthly home on July 26, 2022, to join her heavenly family. Nancy was born in Helena on July 27, 1952 to Irv and Lois Blessinger. She attended schools in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1970. She also attended Montana State University.

Nancy married Dave Kraft in 1974 and they have two children; Jaime (Jeff) Kicklighter and Brad (Meagan) Kraft, as well as a dear grandson, Noah Kraft. Nancy truly loved her family with all her heart, in addition to numerous rescue dogs and cats that she and Dave adopted over the years.

Nancy began working at The Department of Fish & Game in 1971 and enjoyed it so much she stayed for three decades. She retired as the Licensing Bureau Chief in 2002 from what is now The Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Upon her retirement, a tribute to her years of service – predominantly in the Licensing Section, was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record. In her time spent at FWP, she created life-long friendships with countless people in the Helena office, as well as across the entire state of Montana. After retirement, Nancy found she needed something else to keep her busy and worked at the Dive Bakery for nearly 8 years. She also returned to FWP for various short-term/temporary jobs which kept her engaged in the conservation of the wildlife and lands of her beloved home state. Her last position was at TIP-MONT, where she gathered anonymous reports of poaching and other natural resource crimes and worked hand-in-hand with Montana state wardens to catch offenders. This position provided her a great sense of satisfaction and was something that she was extremely passionate about.

Nancy enjoyed working in her yard, planting as many different types of flowers as she could each spring. She absolutely loved walking her dogs and spoiling them with treats. She volunteered for the Red Cross, the Montana Historical Society, and Pad for Paws where she was a board member. Nancy also spent years volunteering for the Montana WILD Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where she cared for many bears and other animals.

During the span of her retirement years, Nancy endured 4 procedures to remove recurring brain tumors. Each brought new challenges, but they never dampened her spirit for life, her sweet disposition, or her sharp wit. With the support of her family, loving friends, her dear Lord and the wonderful people at First Lutheran Church, she stayed active until her passing. Nancy’s family would like to thank Dr. Couldwell, Dr. Rennert and their team from the University of Utah Hospital, as well as Helena Drs. Berbos, Peckinpaugh, Cupino and Hill, and St. Peter’s Home Health and St. Peter’s Hospice nurses, therapists and aides.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Dave; her brother, Mark (Paula) Blessinger; brother-in-law Doug (Teri) Kraft; nieces: Andrea Hall and Leah Kraft; nephews: Shawn and Kyle Blessinger; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents: Irv and Lois, her brother, Mike, and her mother and father-in-law: Betty and Al Kraft.

A Memorial Service is scheduled at First Lutheran Church in Helena on Saturday, August 20th at 11am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcome at First Lutheran Church, 2231 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or Pad for Paws, PO Box 287, Helena, MT 59624. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Nancy.

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Jo Berg says

    July 27, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    Dave and family, I’m so sorry to see this. I ran into her just recently and it was good to see her. Blessings to you alL

  2. Vicki Duncan says

    July 27, 2022 at 5:05 pm

    Dave, I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. Know you and your family are in my thoughts.

  3. John & Linda Cameron says

    July 27, 2022 at 8:01 pm

    Dave and family, Mark and family: John and I are so saddened to hear about Nancy. Again, we want to remind you of how blessed we feel for having known the Blessinger family. Our deepest condolences to all of you. Our prayers are for all of you through this time of grieving. Take care of yourselves and each other.

  4. Barb and Ron Marcoux says

    July 28, 2022 at 9:16 am

    Nancy was spirited, honest, compassionate, kind, caring, loving and a true friend. Always so fun to be with.

    We will miss her terribly but know she is at peace. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all of the family.

    She will be remembered as a special friend forever!

  5. Jody Doubek says

    July 28, 2022 at 10:42 am

    Her smile was infectious. One of the sweetest gals I’ve ever known! I am so sorry for your loss.

  6. Harold Guse says

    July 28, 2022 at 11:36 am

    Deepest condolences. Nancy was always a positive joy to work with.

  7. Sarge Hoem says

    July 28, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    Nancy was a good person!!! Long time ago when I worked worked for F&G. She was very helpful and a fun person. God bless her. Sarge

  8. Kirsten McNurlin says

    July 28, 2022 at 8:52 pm

    Dave, Jaime, Brad, and family,

    The world has lost one of the best humans. My heart is heavy, but I take joy in knowing that Nancy’s on a long dog walk right now. Groover is leading the pack.

  9. Scott and Ellen Bryson says

    July 28, 2022 at 10:12 pm

    Will Always remember Nancy’s kindness and calmness in any situation. Always smiling even when she was working!! Dave and family you are in our thoughts during this challenging time.

  10. Valerie Coke says

    July 29, 2022 at 6:54 am

    Dave and family,

    I will miss my long time friend. I have such fun memories of sleep overs and cruising the drag in the old days. We never lost touch even with me being Texas. Nancy was such a special lady. She is at peace now after her long ordeal and I pray God will grant you peace and comfort as well.

  11. Linda Douglass says

    July 29, 2022 at 7:48 am

    Jeff and I send you and your family our most sincere condolences at Nancy’s passing.

  12. Tom Reilly says

    July 29, 2022 at 7:55 am

    Dave and Family,

    Nancy was one of those great people who touch our lives and contribute so much along the way. ‘Always positive and a pleasure to be around; a genuine smile and politeness toward everyone.

    Tom

  13. Kori Dee says

    July 29, 2022 at 7:56 am

    Dave, my condolences to you as you mourn the passing of your partner in life. I always recall the sweet references you made off Nancy and how great you two were together. Prayers being sent to all of you.

  14. Darrel & Carol Alm says

    July 29, 2022 at 8:53 am

    Dave and family, I am sorry for your loss. Nancy was my maid of honor when Darrel and I were married. We had lots of fun in high school. Prayers for your family.

  15. Cheryl and Larry Ghilardi says

    July 29, 2022 at 8:55 am

    Nancy had such a beautiful soul and will be so very missed. So many fun memories of our times together. Our deepest sympathy and love.

  16. Mary Ann Gregory says

    July 29, 2022 at 11:27 am

    She was Always faithful to Jesus – our only hope in ever lasting life. Clothed in white praising her Savior. Love to you and your children

  17. Tom Juhl says

    July 29, 2022 at 6:48 pm

    Dave so sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy, condolences my friend may she Rest In Peace……..

  18. Karen Dimmitt says

    July 30, 2022 at 9:47 am

    Nancy was an angel on earth. Her smile was radiant and constant. Her enthusiasm for life was so evident. I am so blessed to have known her. My heart hurts for her family.

  19. Mary and Al says

    July 30, 2022 at 11:05 am

    Truly an angel on earth. The world is a better place because she was in it. Rest In Peace dear cousin

  20. Bob Martinka says

    July 31, 2022 at 8:52 am

    Nancy was an absolute JOY to work and socialize with. She always had a smile on here face and was ready to address and fix any issues that faced her in a remarkable career!!

  21. Bob Martinka says

    July 31, 2022 at 11:05 am

    Nancy was an absolute JOY to work and socialize with. She always had a smile on her face and was ready to address and fix any issues that faced her in a remarkable career!!

  22. Carol kent says

    July 31, 2022 at 11:36 am

    Nancy was a very friendly person and I’m glad to have known her.

  23. John & Betty Brewee says

    July 31, 2022 at 11:17 pm

    Dave and family. We are so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was one of the sweetest and kindest person I know. She always had a smile on her face and Jesus in her heart. She was an amazing lady and will be missed so much. God bless you all and may God hold you tight the ext few nights. Sending healing hugs and love, John and Betty Brewer

  24. Karen Bryson says

    August 1, 2022 at 10:13 am

    Dear Dave snd family,
    I am so sorry to read of Nancy’s death. She was such an upbeat person with a beautiful smile. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Karen Bryson

  25. James Maher says

    August 1, 2022 at 1:43 pm

    I am sorry to hear this news. Nancy was very special, kind, sincere, gentle humor. My condolences. We will all miss her!
    Jim Maher

  26. Darrell and Karen Miller. says

    August 2, 2022 at 9:07 am

    Dave and family. So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was such a genuinely kind person and a perfect example of the way we should all live our lives. I often think of the hike at Quin Hotsprings when Nancy had 5 wood ticks crawling on her. She told us to get them off of her any way we needed to and make it fast. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you Dave.

  27. Janis Winston says

    August 2, 2022 at 3:41 pm

    Dave and family –
    I was so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. Growing up, our families were neighbors on Sixth Avenue and Nancy and I were co-workers at Fish, Wildlife and Parks. I am at a loss for words to express how I feel. I thought she was such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  28. The Mannix Family says

    August 2, 2022 at 6:41 pm

    Thinking of you at this difficult time. Hoping wonderful memories of this lovely lady will bring you comfort in days to come.❤️🙏

  29. Jim & Michel Salisbury says

    August 2, 2022 at 7:14 pm

    Dave and family. Michel and I are saddened as to Nancy passing, especially so young. Jim L kind of kept us up on her condition.

    Seeing her picture reminded us of the good times we had on Butler Street with you, Nancy, Jim, Cindy, Harry and Luane . So many rears ago.

  30. Mike Gurnett says

    August 3, 2022 at 9:59 am

    Dave & Family,
    Nancy was as pleasant, kind and sincere as anyone
    I have ever met. She was a wonderful example of how
    people could and should behave toward others.
    I am thankful to have been one of many she greeted
    with her caring smile.

  31. Tammy Ryan says

    August 3, 2022 at 3:18 pm

    Dave and Family,
    We are very sorry to read this announcement. Even though we haven’t been in touch for a few years now, it was always a joy to run into you all. Nancy was a joy to be around, both at work (FWP) and socially. She’s a star in heaven now and a beautiful memory in our hearts. Take care during this challenging time and we hope you find comfort in knowing how many of us care and are thinking of you.
    Pete & Tammy

  32. Martha Williams says

    August 3, 2022 at 6:42 pm

    As would be no surprise to anyone who knew her, Nancy was incredibly kind to our family. And she had that wonderfully mischievous and honest way about her, that made her such fun to work with. I’ll miss your spirit Nancy and wish you all the very best. With Fondness.

  33. Michael J Burke says

    August 4, 2022 at 8:25 am

    Nancy was always a pleasure to work with and a happy soul to be around, she will be missed. God bless her and the Kraft family.

  34. Dona Dobler says

    August 4, 2022 at 1:20 pm

    Dave
    So sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing!! She was truly the kindest person I knew. Bless the Kraft family at this time!!
    She will be missed!!!

  35. Diane says

    August 4, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    Dave and family and Mark and family
    I was sorry to learn that Nancy passed away. I remember when she would visit her parents on 8th avenue and Brad and Jamie would play with our girls. She was a kind and cheerful person and I know she will be missed. My prayers are with your families at this difficult time.
    With sympathy
    Diane Pedersen

  36. Darryl. & Mary Lou Bruno says

    August 5, 2022 at 6:45 am

    Dave and Family Sorry to hear about Nancy will keep her in our prayers.

  37. Debra L Polhemus says

    August 7, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. She was gracious, generous, and a good friend.

  38. Heidi Youmans says

    August 7, 2022 at 9:17 pm

    I am saddened to learn of Nancy’s death. She was def special and an asset to every group setting she was involved in….an admirable and memorable person with the qualities that help make the world a better place. Sincere condolences to her family and many friends.

  39. Chine Strobel says

    August 8, 2022 at 1:45 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. She was an amazing lady and I’m so happy that I had a chance to work with her and get to know her. I loved seeing her and she was always smiling. She will be missed greatly.

  40. Carol Eichler says

    August 8, 2022 at 6:11 pm

    Dave and family, Mark and Paula and family
    So very sorry to hear about Nancy. What a loss of a beautiful soul. Nancy was one of the kindest most loving people I have ever met. Her love for her family was so strong and her family also included lots of animals!
    She always had a smile and cared about others and how life was going.
    I have fond memories of our first year of college as roommates.
    My heart goes out to all of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Carol and Mark Eichler

  41. Kinda Burns says

    August 14, 2022 at 8:57 am

    Dave and family. Nancy was one of the nicest people I ever knew. I know she will be missed. God bless you.

  42. Londa says

    August 14, 2022 at 8:59 am

    Spell check messed up, the previous message is from Londa Burns.

  43. Chuck Virag says

    August 15, 2022 at 9:45 am

    My deepest condolences to Dave, Mark, and your families on the loss of your loved one. My office at FWP adjoined the Licensing Section. I often heard Nancy’s distinctive laugh and it always brought a smile to my face, and I know it had the same effect on those around her. It was also a treat to see Nancy walking her dogs, or perhaps the dogs were walking her. Nancy’s two and four-legged friends will miss her greatly.

  44. Tom and Debbie Erving says

    August 15, 2022 at 8:10 pm

    Dave, Jamie and Brad, my sincere condolences. Nancy was the kindest, sweetest wife, mom, sister and friend to so many. Growing up in the same neighborhood brings back so many great memories. The Blessinger family was special, our best to Mark and family. Tom and Debbie

  45. Chris & Skip Eby says

    August 18, 2022 at 8:06 am

    Dave, Jaime, Brad, Mark, Paula and your families, we were so sad to hear about Nancy. She was an absolute joy to work with back in the old Fish and Game days and we shared many laughs. What a great lady and what a fun sense of humor. Sending all of you strength and love at this difficult time. Chris and Skip

  46. Mark and Connie Lere says

    August 19, 2022 at 8:05 am

    Nancy was one in a trillion!! She had the kindest heart, infinite love for family and animals, even spiders in her later years :), and was the first person to lend a hand to anyone in need. She was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. Her friendship was an enormous gift! Heaven welcomed one awesome angel. Her earthly pains have ended. Fly free our dear friend. Wishing peace and healing hearts to Dave and the family. Much love, Mark and Connie

  47. Eric and Trudy Erickson says

    August 19, 2022 at 11:24 am

    Dave and family, we are so deeply sorry for you and your family’s loss.

  48. dick weston says

    August 20, 2022 at 7:54 pm

    so sorry for your loss David,you and Nancy were a great loving couple.and if you dont remeber me,icontracted and built your home off of Winne. just thinking of you and your family mat GOD BLESS YOU, dick weston

  49. Christine H, Valentine says

    August 21, 2022 at 2:52 pm

    I am so sad to hear of her passing. Nancy taught me a lot of things as we grew up. One of those was how to ice skate; she had so much patience. But her best life lesson was her kindness and respect for others of all types and respect for God’s creations. To her family who already know this, Nancy was a one-in-a-million woman. I send my sympathy.
    Christine Holt Valentine

  50. Steve Jeri Mosby and Family says

    August 29, 2022 at 8:39 am

    Dave and family, Mark, Paula and family
    We are so sorry for your family’s loss are in our prayers. Stay strong that is what Nancy would of wanted. My she RIP and remember all of the good times.

  51. Gene Spangrude says

    September 2, 2022 at 3:57 pm

    I offer my Condolences and a wish that God’s Peace be with Dave and Family at this time.

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Service Schedule

Memorial Service

11:00 a.m.

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Reception

Following the service

Saturday August 20, 2022

First Lutheran Church

2231 E Broadway

Helena, Montana 59601

View map

Share

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Send flowers

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Photo Gallery

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