Illajean Unruh

Illajean M. Unruh, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2024, at Sanford Hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, January 4, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. 

Burial will be held at a later date at the Wing Cemetery, Wing. 

Illajean was born July 22, 1937, the daughter of Andrew and Lena (Ensz) Kraft. She grew up and attended school in Wing, ND. She lost her mother at a young age due to a car accident and helped her dad to care for the family. 

Illajean was united in marriage to Roland Unruh on December 20, 1958 at the Lutheran Parsonage of Wing, ND. They lived in McClusky for a short time while they worked for Roland’s half-brother, John Unruh. Roland worked in the repair shop and Illajean worked in the office with John’s wife, Katie. They later made their home in Wing. They also lived in a couple of other locations related to Roland’s iron working career, but eventually made Bismarck their home. 

They were blessed with two sons, Allen and Larry. They made many family memories hunting, fishing and spending time together. Going to dances in Wing, spending time with their families, relatives and other iron worker friends was always a welcomed time. 

Illajean will always be remembered for her sense of humor and ability to laugh and have a good time. She enjoyed having fun with family and friends. 

She especially enjoyed gardening, canning and cooking German foods for her family, as well as baking for and with her family. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting, embroidering and making gifts for her loved ones. She was fond of attending church with her sons. 

Illajean is survived by her sons, Allen of Mandan, and Larry of Kansas; grandsons, Zachary (Cassie), Nathan (Jake), all in Minnesota, Jeremiah and Joshua of Bismarck; brothers, Terrance Kraft, and Ronald Kraft; sister, Renee Kraft Werner; sister-in-law, Ruth Shafer, Bismarck; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roland (5/24/2024); sister, Sharon Morse (8/23/2021); along with many relatives and friends.