James Kraft

Minot

James J. Kraft, 90, Minot and formerly of Karlsruhe, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in the comfort of his home.

James “Jim” was born on March 1st, 1935 in Karlsruhe, ND the seventh of 12 children to Fred and Jennie (Merck) Kraft. He was raised on the family farm. He proudly served for three years in the United States Marines with duty stations in Hawaii, Japan and California.

Jim returned to Karlsruhe and was united in marriage to Eileen Gefroh on June 1, 1959. They made their home in Minot where Jim was employed at Nash Finch prior to becoming a civil service employee at Minot Air Force Base. At the base, a majority of his time was spent as the golf course greenskeeper and superintendent of snow removal.

In retirement, he dedicated his time to St. John the Apostle Church as a groundskeeper for 15 years and also served for 15 years as a part time bus driver at Bishop Ryan High School.

Jim was a member of St John’s Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge, Golden Kiwanis and the Eagles.

Jim had a strong work ethic from the time he was a young boy throughout his whole life. He spent countless hours helping people with custom projects such as decks, fences, painting, remodeling and shelving with his profound woodworking skills. He loved all things construction and built seven homes. His active past times included dancing, with polka being his favorite, playing softball and watching sports. He ran half marathons (with good times and very little training) and pedaled his way on his bike from Minot to Bismarck a few times.

Jim’s loving family includes his wife of 66 years, Eileen; children: LuAnn (Gerard) Cederstrom and Patti (Robert) Thomas, all of Minot and Todd (Heather) Kraft of Ham Lake, MN: grandchildren: Brittany (Grant) Boren, Mackenzie (Creighton) Bachmeier, Mickayla (Josh) Oothoudt, Truman Thomas and Madeline, Haley, Joseph, Lillian, Eleanor, Esther, Peter, Benjamin, Agnes and Evelyn Kraft, and seven great grandchildren, siblings: Alice Gustafson and Colette (Gerald) Hamele.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Hedwiga, Bonaventure, David, Clair, Fred Jr. and Arnold Kraft, Victoria Krueger, Jean Gefroh and Sister Agnes Kraft.

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church – Minot. A livestream of the service can be viewed by using the link in the website obituary. Visitation: Friday, December 26th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the church. Vigil Prayer Service at 5:00 after the visitation. Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park – Minot. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 22, 2025.