Matt Kraft

Matt Kraft, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 16th at the age of 88, surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 1919 N 2nd St, Bismarck.

Interment will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, with military honors.

Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour before the funeral mass.

Born July 27, 1936, to Peter and Pauline Kraft in Sioux County, North Dakota, Matt was the youngest of eight children and grew up on the family farm near Selfridge. Those early years on the prairie shaped Matt’s deep sense of loyalty, quiet strength, and steady work ethic that remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating high school, Matt’s journey took a joyful and defining turn when he met and married the love of his life, Jeanie (Virginia Irene) on July 27, 1959. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage—a partnership grounded in faith, deep love, and unwavering devotion. For Matt, family was always the highest priority, and he and Jeanie built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and simple joys. Whether dancing, traveling, enjoying time at the lake with family, or savoring quiet evenings side by side, Matt treasured every moment with Jeanie, holding their love at the very center of his life.

Matt was a naturally gifted athlete who loved staying active. He played basketball, softball, volleyball, and tennis for many years, and in later life became a fixture at the YMCA, known for his remarkable stamina and commitment to health and fitness. Even as he grew older, he seemed to have the energy of someone half his age.

In his young adulthood, Matt answered the call to serve his country, spending four years in the United States Air Force. His sense of duty and service continued in civilian life, both in his career and community.

Following his military service, Matt dedicated over 40 years to a distinguished career with American Family Insurance, beginning as an agent and rising to serve as District Manager. His steadfast integrity, genuine care for clients, and steady leadership earned the trust and respect of colleagues throughout the company. In the later years of his career, Matt found special fulfillment working alongside his son at the Terry Kraft Agency, where he continued to share his experience and wisdom with those around him.

His commitment to service extended beyond work as well. Matt was a devoted member of Corpus Christi Church in Bismarck, where he served faithfully as a lector, eucharistic minister, and parish council member, always offering his time and presence to his church family.

Above all, Matt’s greatest pride and joy was his family. As a father, he showed up with quiet strength and steadfast loyalty for his four sons, offering encouragement, support, and the dependable love that defined him. In later years, Matt embraced his role as Grandpa and “Great Papa” with wholehearted devotion. He spent years coaching his granddaughters in basketball and rarely missed a chance to cheer from the sidelines or applaud from the audience—whether the occasion was a sporting event, a music recital, or any other milestone in his grandchildren’s lives. He cherished visits with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making it a priority to spend time with the newest babies in the family as much as possible. Week after week, he could be found rocking and holding his great-grandbabies who lived nearby, delighting in their company and creating memories that will last for generations. His gentle presence and loyalty touched every branch of his family tree.

Matt is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanie; his children, Tracy (Laura Evenrud) Kraft, Terry (Collette) Kraft, Tom (Lora) Kraft, and Ken (Tina) Kraft; his grandchildren, Tara (Blake) Feil, Michaela (Mike) Quast, Kevin (Lydia) Kraft, Annika Kraft, Amanda (Alex) Jacobsen, Dawson Kraft, Carter Kraft, Tyler Kraft, Conner Kraft and Jacob Kraft; and his great-grandchildren, Claire, Livia, Nicholas, and Benjamin Feil; Eli and Collins Quast; and Chloe and Haley Kraft.

Matt will be laid to rest with military honors at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

His legacy is one of quiet strength, steadfast devotion, and a love for family that was always at the heart of his life. Matt will be remembered as a man who showed his love through his actions, treasured his family, and lived each day with humility, care, and loyalty.

Memorials can be made to ND Right to Life or Ministry on the Margins.

Visit www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories, sign the online guestbook, and view the service livestream.  I link will be provide here as we get closer to the day of service.