Obituary of Gloria Kraft

Gloria “Jean” Kraft (12/27/41 - 2/9/23)

Jean was born on December 27th, 1941 to Art and Ruth Smith in Waubun, MN. The family lived in Washington State from 1956-1957 and then returned to Waubun in 1958. Upon graduating from high school in 1960, Jean lived in Minneapolis and worked for Cargill for 6 years. She married Anton (Tony) Kraft in 1965. During their marriage, they lived in Minneapolis, Chicago and then Delano, MN, where they raised 2 children, Dawn and Tracy. Jean worked as a secretary for the Delano Middle School for 23 years. After retiring in 1998, Jean and Tony moved up to Waubun and bought a cabin on Big Elbow Lake. Jean loved living at the lake and spending time with her flowers, crafts, and sewing. In the winter, she and Tony would travel south in their motorhome, where they enjoyed the warm weather and the country dancing. After the unexpected passing of her husband, Tony, in 2020, Jean moved back down to Delano for the last few years to be closer to family. Her health had recently started to decline due to her progressive cancer and heart problems, and on February 9th, Jean peacefully passed away and is now with both God and her loving husband.

She is survived by her two children, Tracy Kraft and Dawn Wetter, two grandchildren, Jeff Wetter and Anna Wetter, brothers Larry Smith of Perham and Howard Smith of Minneapolis, and sister Judy Quittschreiber of Ogema and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are to be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun, MN on February 25th 2023 at 1:00 pm.

Celebration of Life will be held on February 24th from 4-7 PM at her home, on 254 Kings Pointe Drive in Delano, MN - please park on the road and bring your favorite memories of Jean to share.