KRAFT, Mary A. 1857 – 1923

KRAFT, SHULER, RIECK, WILSON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 4/7/2013 at 11:43:39

Mary A. Kraft was born in Buchanan, Michigan, May 29th, 1857, removing with her parents to Poweshiek County, Iowa, in 1869. She was united in marriage with George Peter Kraft, October 16th, 1873. To this union five children were born, Dennis Sanford, Mrs. Flora Shuler, and Mrs. Ethel Rieck of Brooklyn, John of Mason City, and Murray of Manchester. They with two brothers, Howard Wilson of Buchanan, Mich., and Dr. Ernest Wilson, of Chariton, Iowa, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren with a host of friends are left to mourn her loss. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft left the farm and moved to Brooklyn in 1908, where they made for themselves a pleasant home until August 29, 1920, when Mr. Kraft was suddenly called up higher. From that time her shadows lengthened and she walked the way alone, yet not alone, for the unseen friend has walked beside her all the way.

Always has this good woman been one of the earth’s real toilers, but always she has had time to be helpful and kind. It has seemed impossible for her to do too much for others. Forgetting her own hard tasks, her own cares, her own sorrows and bereavements, she has busied herself trying to relieve other souls, encouraging them and helping to bear their burdens. Always does she think of others, scarcely of herself at all, infinite in patience, incessant in toil, rich in kindly ministries. She was most ready to excuse an error and to spread the mantle of charity over a fault in some one else.

She was converted and joined the Fairmont Methodist church under the pastorate of W. S. Kight in 1891 and from that time was a faithful and devoted Christian and like good Dorcas, with busy feet and hands for others. She passed to join her loved one at the home of her son, Murray, who was passing under a heavy sorrow in the going out of a little light, their only child, from his home, she following her home Thursday morning, March 22, 1923.

The large gathering at the Brooklyn Methodist church Sunday afternoon for her funeral bespoke the love and esteem in which she was held. Rev. Kight, of Simpson Methodist church of Des Moines, Iowa, assisted by the pastor, Rev. Fowler, conducted the services.

Source: Unknown newspaper clipping found in scrapbook belonging to my great grandmother.