KRAFT, June R. (Kaiser) 1927-2008

KAISER, EVANS, KRAFT, KOUBA, KUJAWA, ODONNELL, BLOCK, MCCOY

Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 10/2/2014 at 20:33:52

SOURCE: THE UNION, West Union, Iowa Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Contributor: Connie Ellis (Not related)

June R. Kraft, age 81, of Sun City, Arizona, formerly of West Union, Iowa died Sunday May 4, 2008, following a lengthy illness. A memorial service was held Thursday, May 8, at Sunland Mortuary in Sun City.

June was born April 19, 1927 in St. Louis, Missouri to Dr. Raymond A. and Mildred V. (Evans) Kaiser. She graduated from Normandy High School in Webster Groves, Missouri at the age of 16. Following time spent in Monona, Iowa and New Orleans, Louisiana, June moved to West Union in 1949. It was there that she met Frank M. Kraft. The couple were married September 3, 1950 in St. Louis, Missouri. They made their home in West Union until 1984 when they retired to Sun City, Arizona and Delhi, Iowa.

While living in West Union, June was active with music and theater as one of the founders of the Lilac Players both directing and performing in several musical productions. She was active in Bethel Presbyterian Church where she sang in and directed the adult and children's choirs and taught Bible school. In 1964, June's love of baseball led her to become West Union's first boys' Little League coach and with her friend Jean Padilla she coached the Yankees to the championship of the World Series.

In the 1960's and 70's June was active in the Iowa Federation of Republican women, serving in leadership roles and enjoying opportunities to meet state and national leaders.

June loved learning and was an avid reader. She initiated classes for women in her home in
the arts, Spanish and French. She greatly enjoyed playing bridge with friends.

Preceding June in death were her parents, her husband Frank, and her brother Raymond Kaiser, Jr.

She is survived by two daughters, Lesle (Dr. James) Kouba of Bloomfield, Iowa; Lisa (Dean) Kraft-Kujawa of Champlin, Minnesota; a step-daughter, Linda (Pat) O'Donnell of Wichita, Kansas; a brother, Don C. Kaiser of Baggs, Wyoming; three grandchildren, Dr. Seth (Grace) Kouba, Aaron Kouba, Emily Kouba; five step-grandchildren Ryan, Tim, and Trish O'Donnell, Susan Block and Mike Kujawa; a great-grandchild, Aiden McCoy and four step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial has been established to Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. June will be remembered as one who loved her family and was a loyal friend with a wonderful sense of humor and who greeted everyone with warmth and kindness.