Duane Richard Kraft Obituary (1944 - 2008)

DUANE R. "DUDE" KRAFT Duane Richard "Dude" Kraft, age 64, of Colfax, WI died unexpectedly Monday, Dec. 8, 2008 at his home. He was born March 29, 1944 in Eau Claire, WI to Arthur and Ruby (Lausted) Kraft. Duane was raised on the farm in the Township of Tainter, Dunn Co., WI and graduated from Colfax High School in 1962. He married Mary Schlosser on Feb. 3, 1979 at the Tainter United Methodist Church. Duane has farmed all of his life, but he also did excavating and landscaping for a number of years. The past several years he drove truck for Madison Freight out of Roberts, WI and then Central Transport out of Hallie, WI. Duane was a life-long member of Tainter United Methodist Church and played dart-ball for the church dart-ball team. He enjoyed playing softball for many years and more recently playing golf. He loved the rodeo and was a Green Bay Packer fan. He also loved his horses. Duane was loved dearly by his family and will be sadly missed. Duane is survived by: His wife, Mary Kraft of Colfax His children, Joel Kraft of Cleveland, OH Kyle (Kristen) Kraft of Amery Kari Kraft of Menomonie 1 brother and 3 sisters, Larry (Pat) Kraft of East Windsor, NJ Jan (Howie) Christenson of Waukesha Joy Kraft of Minnetonka, MN Deb (Don) Gutierrez of Houston, TX He is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 at Tainter United Methodist Church, in the Township of Tainter, Dunn Co., WI with Rev. James Thunstrom officiating. Burial will be in Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and at the church one hour prior to the service on Friday.