James "Jim" Kraft

James “Jim” A. Kraft, 79, Selfridge, ND, died on August 23, 2022, at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismarck, ND, surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Selfridge, ND with Msgr. Chad Gion as celebrant. Burial will be at the Selfridge Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 26, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a Rosary/Parish Vigil at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

Please use Highway 1806 to get to Selfridge due to road construction.

James “Jim”, the second oldest child of Anton A. and Isabelle (Landeis) Kraft, was born on May 19, 1943. He graduated in 1963 from Fort Yates High School.  He started working at Farmers Union Oil Company in 1970. Jim held various positions throughout his career up until his retirement in 2005.

Jim married Gloria (Dillman), daughter of Leo & Pauline (Hersch) Dillman, on June 25, 1982. They made their home in Selfridge where they raised their two daughters.

Jim will be remembered and missed by many for his quick-witted sense of humor, his hard work, and dedication. Jim spent many years as a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim was a very loyal and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  In his younger years he enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing pool with his family and friends.  Jim had a love for Chevy pickups (‘79 Blue Chevy named Betsy).  He liked to pass the time gardening, mowing lawns, watching westerns and old comedies, and working on word scramblers.  He looked forward to family gatherings and spending time with his grandchildren.

Jim will be deeply missed by his wife of 40 years, Gloria Kraft (Selfridge); daughters, Jessica (Brent) Kastner (Garrison) and Jennifer (Michael) Volk (Lincoln, ND); four grandchildren, Lexi and Brayden Kastner and Sierra and Jameson Volk; brothers, Albert (Virginia) Kraft (Mandan), Duane (Jane) Kraft (Selfridge), Richard (Sheri) Kraft (Aberdeen, SD); sister, Annette (Kevin) Kiland (Fargo); mother-in-law, Pauline Dillman (Mandan); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, life-long friends, and extended family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anton A. and Isabelle Kraft.