William J. Kraft, 80, Minot, died Tuesday, March 27, 2012, in a Minot nursing home.

Bill was born January 12, 1932 to Ben and Katherine (Schwan) Kraft. He attended school in Karlsruhe and at the age of 17 enlisted into the US Army. He completed training but was honorably discharged on April 20, 1949, because of the age requirement.

Bill began his employment with the City of Minot with the fire department on May 7, 1951. He also held a position with the surveyor crew on his days off from the department for a number of years. His mechanical ability led to his position as a mechanic until he was promoted to Battalion Chief on July 1, 1972. Bill was a mainstay at the department for over 46 years until his retirement on July 18, 1997. In addition to his career, Bill also ran a grain farm in the Minot and Foxholm areas for over 21 years. He was also in the construction industry for a time.

Bill was once married to Lucille Roen. This union was blessed with a daughter, Debra Ann and a son, Timothy.

Bill carried memberships to the Elks and Moose Lodge and Eagle's Aerie, all of Minot. He was a kind, gentle man, whose voice could carry a room. He enjoyed woodworking and his time farming. He will be deeply missed by all who shared in his life personally and professionally.

His loving family includes a son, Timothy; granddaughters, Timmiti and Armanni, and their mother Alana, Queensland, Australia; brothers, James Kraft, Washington State and Patrick H. (Dianne) Kraft, Minot, ND; sister, Marcella Milligan, California; brother-in-law, Garland Hoistad, trusted family friend, Raymond E. Beeter, Minot, ND and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Debra Ann Kraft, sisters, Alice Bringgold, Helen Weekly and Beatrice Hoistad and brothers, Pius, Ben, Albert, Leo and Marvin Kraft.

Funeral: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, March 30, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.