Mass of Christian burial for Doug Kraft, 39, of Timber Lake will be at 10 a.m. MDT, Thursday, June 13, 2013, at the Timber Lake School Gym. Burial will be at the Kraft Family Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. A prayer service was 7 p.m. Wednesday at the gym.
Doug passed away Thursday, June 6, 2013, near Ludlow.
Douglas Henry Kraft was born on Feb. 28, 1974, in McLaughlin to Jack and Linda (Meyer) Kraft. He grew up 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 for who he was and named homecoming king while at Timber Lake High School and Huron University.
Doug still holds several high school basketball and track records and, while attending Huron University Doug, set 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 in 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 and 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 hang out with for he always could 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 city council and rodeo club. Doug played trumpet and played at 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.
Thankful for being part of Doug's life are 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; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles; and his dog, Sam.