Elaine Kraft

Nov. 11, 1938-Oct. 14, 2025

Rugby

Elaine Gloria Kraft, the daughter of Olaf and Esther (Engebretson) Haugen, was born on November 11, 1938 in Rugby, North Dakota. She passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in her home in Rugby on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Elaine was raised in her parents’ home and always spoke lovingly of growing up on the farm. She attended Dewey School #3 near Berwick through the 8th grade and graduated from Berwick High School in 1956. Her senior year she met the love of her life, Frank Kraft. After going to Minot State Teachers College for a one-year business course and Frank serving in the US Army for 2 years, the two united in marriage on October 28, 1959 at St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Fulda, North Dakota. The couple made their home in Minot for a year until moving to Rugby, where she worked many years as the bookkeeper at McGuire’s dealership before retiring in 1992, and later began working part time at Little Flower Church. Elaine was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, delivered Meals on Wheels, and served on the Berwick Cemetery Board, often hosting meetings at her home. Any time someone showed up at her house, they were greeted with a welcoming smile and fresh chocolate chip cookies.

Although Elaine was dedicated to her career and roles in the community, her most important role was being a wife, mother and grandmother to her 6 children, 17 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She kept busy with quilting, sewing on buttons and hemming pants for her children and grandchildren, tending to her garden and flower beds, working in the yard, and religiously attending all plays, sporting events, band and choir concerts, and anything else her children or grandchildren had going on. She greatly enjoyed Sunday drives with her family out to the farmstead where she grew up.

Some of her fondest memories growing up were tagging along with her older brother, spending time with her beloved pets, (including dogs, cats, and even some baby skunks), being part of the Berwick High School basketball team, and her Dad’s never-ending smile. She and her family harvested fresh Christmas trees every year, a tradition her and Frank carried on for many years with their own family. She loved decorating the tree and having a house full of love and laughter during the holidays.

Elaine was a ray of sunshine on a gloomy day. She will be remembered for her unconditional love and kindness, her strong faith and family values, her bright smile, and her sweet hugs.

Elaine is survived by her children, Gary (Suzy), Tammy Brossart, Mary Ann (Donald) Jaeger, Patricia (Brian) Paul, all of Rugby, Mike (Patricia) of St. Catharines, Ontario, and Brad (Kim) of Fargo; grandchildren, Sydney (Jacob) Kuntz and Noah Kraft; Gary Brossart, Scott (Hannah) Brossart, Andrew (Katryna) Brossart, Jordan (Kelsey) Brossart, and Kristina Brossart; Derek Jaeger, Jessica Jaeger, and Cassandra Jaeger; William (Nicole) Paul, Emily Paul, and Abigail (Kaelin) Schneider; Thomas Kraft; Lucas Kraft, Ryan Kraft, and Easton Kraft; 7 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Margaret Stone; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Kraft, brother, Orris Haugen, brothers/sisters-in-law, Marie Haugen, Andrew Kraft, Josephine and Bertram Lommen, Edward and Alice Kraft, John and Lois Kraft, and her parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 7th at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Lunch and fellowship will be in the church basement. Father Frank Miller, Celebrant.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with rosary, vigil prayer service and sharing beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby.

Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.

Published by The Pierce County Tribune, November 1, 2025.