Doug Kraft: 1974-2013
Mass of Christian Burial for Doug Kraft, age 39, of Timber Lake, S.D. was Thursday, June 13, 2013, at the Timber Lake School Gym. Burial was at the Kraft Family Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service was held Wednesday evening at the gym. Doug passed away Thursday, June 6, 2013, near Ludlow, SD.
Douglas Henry Kraft was born Feb. 28, 1974 in McLaughlin, S.D., to Jack and Linda (Meyer) Kraft. He was raised on the farm south of Timber Lake where he grew up riding horses, pedal bikes, dirt bikes, playing in the hayloft with all his friends and had a well-worn path over to the Biegler Farm where his second family lived. What exactly happened there is still a mystery.
While in high school and at college in Huron he excelled in basketball, football, and track. He was loved by everyone and was named homecoming king while at Huron University. Doug still holds several high school basketball and track records and while attending Huron University, set National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and national records in receptions, catches per game, and receiving. He is Huron’s all-time leader in receiving yards per season and career, receiving touchdowns per season and career, and catches in one game and career. He was named to the first team NAIA and SDIC three years running.
He graduated in 1997 with a degree in criminal justice. Following graduation he got the opportunity to try out for the Miami Dolphins. In August 1998 he moved back to Timber Lake with his family and in 1999 he and his brother, Jake, bought the elevator which he ran. He loved working with sheep and cattle and took over his Dad’s cattle and land operation. He loved improving his “little slice of heaven” south of the airport – he could fix about anything and even as a young boy loved to drive the old clunkers and keep them running.
Doug was a very sincere man, he would help out anyone in need whether he was asked or not. He was an absolute joy to hangout with for he could always tell a good story, do an imitation, and make you laugh. He loved playing with children and liked to teach them the wonders of life.
On Aug. 6, 1994, Doug married Tausha Walter in Huron and to this union three sons were born, Cody, Tanner and Tucker. Doug was very much a family man, He constantly supported and encouraged them and he was so proud of them, no matter what they did.
Doug enjoyed being on his Harley, playing guitar, teaching others to play guitar, and being on the river in his pontoon. He was a volunteer fireman, and served on the city council and the rodeo club. Doug played the trumpet in numerous Memorial Day services. He also enjoyed haying and doing snow removal. He took pride in being the first one out after a snowfall. He was also a trucker, pilot, proud redneck, avid outdoorsman, a friend to everyone and a coach. He could be found at open gym helping kids with their basketball skills.
Doug started flying before he was out of high school and loved being free in the sky. He was very excited to be part of Air Kraft Spraying as a spray pilot for the last few years.
Those thankful for being part of Doug’s life include, his wife, Tausha of Timber Lake; sons, Cody, Tanner and Tucker of Timber Lake; his parents, Jack and Linda Kraft of Timber Lake; brother, Jake (Jodi) Kraft of Timber Lake; sister, Angie (Matt) Hotzler of Clear Lake, S.D.; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and his dog, Sam.
Casket bearers were Cody Kraft, Tanner Kraft, Tucker Kraft, Jake Kraft, Matthew Hotzler, Matt Hotzler, Tyrone Kraft, and Roger Lawien. Ushers will be David Biegler, Bernard Biegler, Justin Lindskov, Shawn Maher, Brady Aberle and Brady Bickel.
