Rev. Harold Eugene Kraft

Reverend Harold Eugene Kraft, 93, of Rochester passed away February 4, 2014 at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester.He was born August 9, 1920 in Correll, MN, the son of Edwin & Mabel (Grandprey) Kraft.He graduated from Correll high school, attended Teacher's Normal Training and then taught in rural schools in Swift County, MN.He served in the US Navy during World War II.After being discharged from the Navy he attended and graduated from North Central College in Naperville, IL.In 1951 he graduated from Evangelical Theological Seminary at Naperville, IL, and was ordained into the Evangelical United Brethren Church (now United Methodist) in Rochester on May 6, 1951.On August 25, 1953 he married Ruth Huebner at the South Ridge Evangelical United Brethren Church in rural LaCrescent, MN.Throughout his ministerial career he loved and cared for people. Visiting the members of his congregations was one of the things he enjoyed.He will be fondly remembered as a caring and loving person.He took great pride and interest in the activities of his grandchildren, and he enjoyed gardening and book collecting.His ministry led him to several churches and communities in Minnesota throughout his career, serving congregations in Deer Creek and Ottertail; Rice Lake and Brush Creek (rural Wells, MN); St. Clair and Beauford; Pipestone, Salem and Jasper; and Dodge Center, retiring in June 1986.After his retirement he assisted at various congregations including Alden, and was the visitation pastor of Byron United Methodist Church, and in June of 2005 he officially retired and was recognized as Pastor Emeritus of Byron United Methodist Church.Surviving are his wife, Ruth Kraft of Rochester, one daughter, Mary Christiansen (Grant) of Rochester, and two grandchildren, Steven Christiansen and Amy Christiansen.Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the Byron United Methodist Church, 507 1st Ave NW Byron, MN with Pastor Sharon Nelson officiating.Visitation will be one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.Burial will take place 2 PM Saturday at the Hillcrest Cemetery in rural LaCrescent, MN.Memorials are appreciated to the Correll United Methodist Church, Byron United Methodist Church, or the Red Bird Mission c/o Byron United Methodist Church.