Alvin Kraft

Alvin “Al” Edward Kraft, age 79, of New Salem, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Pius V Catholic Church in New Salem, with Fr. Stephen Folorunso celebrating. Cremation has taken place and the family will greet friends from 9 to 10:30 AM prior to the Memorial Mass with a rosary at 10:30 AM. A luncheon will immediately follow the memorial mass at the church. Burial will take place at 3 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.

Al was born on April 29, 1946, in Flasher, and was raised on the family farm near Selfridge, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work, family, and the outdoors.

Al met the love of his life, Betty Blotsky, at a barn dance in Selfridge. After four years of courtship, they were married on June 4, 1966, and began a devoted partnership that spanned decades. Shortly after their marriage, Al left for six months of training to serve in the National Guard, where he proudly completed six years of service.

Following his military training, Al and Betty moved to the Black Hills of South Dakota. During that time, Al worked at the Belle Fourche bentonite plant and later at the gold mine in Lead. While living in the Black Hills, they welcomed their two sons—Aaron, born in Deadwood and Arlen, born in Sturgis.

Al later began a career in the cable industry, where he worked for 23 years. Through hard work and dedication, he advanced to the role of regional manager. This career brought the family to Huron, South Dakota. During his time in Huron, Al also gave back to his community as an EMT, a volunteer firefighter, and a member of the City Safety Committee.

Later in life, Al transitioned to a career with Burlington Northern Railroad, which led the family to New Salem, North Dakota in the late 80’s. He spent 18 years with the railroad before retiring in 2012.

Retirement didn’t slow Al down. He returned to his roots in agriculture, lending a helping hand at Dale Neidhardt’s farm, where he enjoyed staying active and connected to the land.

Al had a deep love for fishing and hunting throughout his life, and he cherished time spent over coffee with family and friends. Whether you knew Al for years or had just met him, he left a lasting impression as a genuinely kind, humble, and caring man.

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Betty Kraft of New Salem; his sons, Aaron (Peggy) Kraft of Las Vegas, Nevada and Arlen (Jeannette) Kraft of Dendron, Virginia; brothers, Victor (Kathy) Kraft of Selfridge, ND, Willy Kraft of Bismarck, and Jake (Vernetta) Kraft of Belle Fourche, SD; sister-in-law, Frances Kraft of Mandan; along with extended family and many dear friends.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Anna (Leroy) Nielsen, Edith (John) Flohr, and Arlene (Russell) Walch; brothers, Tony (Jean) Kraft and Frank Kraft; and sister-in-law, Karen Kraft.

Al’s life was defined by his strong work ethic, his dedication to family, and his quiet kindness. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.