Ramona A. Kraft

Ramona was born April 16, 1931 to Fred and Teresa (Horner) Wallachy. She was their only child and enjoyed being a part of a close family with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors. Her whole life was spent in Dakota County, and she enjoyed staying close with the people that mattered to her. Ramona lived in the country but also loved the excitement and glamour of city life too. She met Gilbert Kraft through mutual friends. They married in 1951, and they took over the family farm in Rich Valley. Their entire married life was spent here where they raised their four children. As a couple, they were a helpful, fun-loving pair, and there was always a steady stream of visitors and adventure in their lives. Ramona’s passion besides family was buying and selling antiques and collectables. Ramona had customer’s and dealers come to buy her treasures from all over the country. After Gilbert's passing, Ramona matter-of-factly left the farm in Rich valley and moved to Rosemount where she lived for 23 years, entertaining friends, family, and spoiling her grandchildren. Here she continued collecting and selling antiques and collectables. When the time came for her to transition into nursing home care, her resilient spirit allowed her to embrace the change with ease. Ramona provided a spark of life for those around her and made many friends with residents and staff during her nine years of care. Despite her decline in health, her interest in people's lives and her curiosity for what was new and happening with the younger generation never went away. Ramona’s special last request was having a 91 st birthday party on April 16 2022 with all her family together, and having a beer with us all! All who knew Ramona have stories to tell about her passion for living life fully. This strong and one-of-a-kind woman will be missed! She is survived by her children, Kenneth (Dana) Kraft, Russell (Deana) Kraft, Barb (Mark) Nordrum, Adam (Sheila) Kraft; grandchildren, Mary (Bill) Kurvers , Carl (Sarah) Kraft, Randy (Michelle) Kraft, Holly (Bryan) Toutges, Jonathan (Jordie) Nordrum, Karina Nordrum, Laura (Tristan) Kuseske, Hans Kraft Sandahl and Richard Sandahl, Heidi (Gus) Magnuson; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Alex, Nikki, Jacob, Jack, John, Rachel, Grace, Gabby, William, Nora, Sias with other dear friends and relatives. Ramona was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gilbert. Funeral Service will be Monday June 27 at 11:30am at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, with visitation from 10:00 am - 11:30 am at the Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service, Interment will be in the St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Rich valley, MN.