Albert Kraft lost his life to cancer, and went home to be with his Lord on Nov. 30, 2012. He was born May 25, 1920, in Glen Ullin, N. D., the son of Jacob and Anna Marie (Zimblemann) Kraft. He and his family moved to Billings when he was seven years old. He lived in Billings, west of Billings and in Belfry, Mont. He attended Garfield, New Prospect, Buchanan and Belfry schools. He had to quit school and work on his parents' farm. Since he loved school and learning, the principal of Belfry High School made sure he received his assignments, so he could finish his education.

He married O'Tillie Martin on May 27, 1941, in Red Lodge. They lived in Joliet, Fromberg, and Billings. In 1954, they moved west of Billings. He loved animals, farming, and gardening. At a young age he lost the sight in one of his eyes. Despite having low vision, he worked on his farm and various jobs. He worked at Midland and Pierce packing plants, and Sweetheart Bakery, but most of his working years were as a concrete finisher. He worked for Barry O'Leary and many other construction companies. He was also a self-employed contractor. Through the years he started losing eyesight to an inherited disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa. He never gave up. He continued working. He went to Bozeman to a school for the blind, so he could become more self sufficient. The last year of our mom's life was hard for both of our parents. He helped her a lot with cooking, cleaning and laundry, but in the meantime he was learning to be an independent homemaker. After her death in 1989, he continued on the farm for two years and then moved into Billings. He cleaned, cooked, did laundry, and gardened for himself. He really enjoyed listening to music and stories on audio. He married Evelyn Lord in 1993. She passed away in 2008. In 2010, he had a stroke which made it harder to care for himself, but continued the best he could. Being blind, his neighbors and family were amazed at his accomplishments.

There were two trips he enjoyed the most: one to Germany to visit relatives, and one to Israel to walk where Jesus walked. He attended West Side Baptist Church until it was to hard for him to attend. He has known the Lord as his personal savior since the late 1960's. His faith in God and his family were very important to him. He loved it when his children and grandchildren came to visit him. He loved dancing. He went to many polka dances throughout his life. Through the years he belonged to Future Farmers of America, Big Sky Polka Club, The Fiddlers Club, Montana Association for the Blind, and Senior Citizens. He moved into Tendernest Assisted Living in October 2011. Recently he played his harmonica for some of his children and grandchildren which was enjoyed. He made excellent German sausage which will be greatly missed.

Preceding him in death were his wives; his parents; and all of his 16 siblings. His brothers were Henry, John 1, Jake, Edward, Herman, Emmanuel, John 2, Bill, and Bruce (Boots). His sisters were Pauline, Freda, Katherine, Anna, Alice, Cecelia, and Peggy. He is survived by his children Anna (John) Thatcher, Keith (Susan) Kraft, Gloria Jean Thatcher, Carolyn Morris, and Linda (Cal) Meyer, all of Billings and Bill (Cathie) Kraft of Bridger; 21 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; two step great grandchildren; and seven great great grandchildren. We want to thank the staff at Tendernest for their care, and also Rocky Mountain Hospice. Donations may be given to charity of your choice. Funeral services for Albert were at West Side Baptist Church on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. with reception at Emmanuel Baptist Church. From the Billings Gazette