Viola Arlene Kraft, 85, Bismarck, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at her home, with family at her side.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 1 PM in the 2nd-floor activities room at the Patterson Place, 420 E. Main Ave., Bismarck.

Viola was born on October 26, 1940, in Rugby, ND, to Victor and Alma (Ekness) Westgard. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rugby. She attended Rugby High School and later received her GED.

On September 30, 1959, she married Richard Kraft. From 1960 to 1963, Richard worked on the I-94 construction project. Viola came along and lived in New Salem, where she was kept busy by her newest sons. After that, the family moved back to Rugby, where Richard and Viola started a taxi cab company. In the 70's, Viola would join Richard and her boys on fishing trips to Canada, Lake Sakakawea, or even the Mouse River. She currently holds bragging rights in the family for the largest fish as she reeled in a Chinook Salmon at Lake Sakakawea, which qualified her in the ND Whoopers Club. Viola worked at the hospital in Rugby late 80's, then switched to Home HealthCare in the 90's.

Richard and Viola divorced in 1978. They always remained a part of each other's lives and took care of each other when needed. They were at family holidays together and traveled to see children and grandchildren. Later, Richard had a battle with cancer. When he was placed on hospice, Viola stepped up as his primary caregiver up to the time of his death. Viola moved into the Patterson Place sometime back in the 90's. She originally moved in to care for her mother, who lived just across the hall. Viola and her family spent many of the Thanksgiving Holidays at the Patterson building. We are aware of the many friendships that Viola has forged through the years. We, the family, are thankful to the management at the Patterson for allowing us to use these facilities.

Viola had another extended family, beyond the friends at the Patterson. That would be Northland PACE. Thank you to everyone from PACE for loving our mother and guiding her and us through these times.

Viola is survived by her five sons; Kent, Rugby ND, Keith, Rugby, ND, Lyle (Becky), Minot, ND, Lance, Bismarck, ND, and Joel (Special friend Lydia), Bismarck; grandchildren, Joshua (Breanne), Tyler, Jesse, Timothy (Daphne), Dora (Adam) Tschosik, Sadie, and Joel Jr. (Mariah); 14 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Lester (Pat) of Fargo and Dennis (Sue) of Mitchell, SD.

Viola is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Duane and Stanley, and grandson, Zane.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Northland Pace, 2223 E Rosser Ave, Bismarck, ND.