Arlyn Kraft

Arlyn Leon Kraft, age 88, of Mapleton, North Dakota passed away on August 12th, 2026 at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, North Dakota, after complications from a fall.

Arlyn was born on June 4th, 1938, to Lawrence and Erna (Rusert) Kraft at their home in Mower County, Minnesota. As an infant, he and his family moved to a new home and farm located in Mapleton, North Dakota. It is at that farm where Arlyn would live, work, and raise his family for the rest of his life. Arlyn was baptized on June 12th, 1938, at Silo Lutheran Church in Lewiston, Minnesota and confirmed April 4th, 1952, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo. He attended the Dobrinz School and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1956. After he graduated high school, Arlyn went on to attend North Dakota Agricultural College (now NDSU) and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1960.

Arlyn married Eleanor Olson on April 2nd, 1960. Together, they built their life and raised their family on that same farm.  

Faith, family, flying, farming and friends completely describe Arlyn's life. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1958 and went on over the years to earn numerous other flight ratings. He and Eleanor led and operated an aerial application business for many decades. Arlyn’s love of flying was infectious. If a flying story was brought up, he would spend hours chatting with you. He and Eleanor traveled all over the US and Canada in their Cessna 172, visiting friends along the way. A favorite trip of his was with the International Flying Farmers flying with friends in their plane to Central America. It would not take much coaxing from a family member or neighbor to get a ride in the 172 or the Champ. He gave the first airplane ride for all his children, his grandchildren and a few great grandchildren.

Arlyn farmed all throughout life. He could fix anything and he even made any newly purchased equipment better by putting the “Arlyn” touch to it. There wasn’t a piece of his farm he had not walked, planted, harvested, plowed, or flown over. He was always willing to consult, offer help, and lend a hand to any farming issue. 

Outside of farming and flying, Arlyn enjoyed model airplane building, woodworking, snow skiing, and traveling. He and Eleanor enjoyed many years exploring in their motorhome and on their Goldwing Trike. Arlyn was also a charter member at St. Andrew Lutheran church and served on various community boards throughout his life.

Arlyn lived his life with a devoted faith, a strong work ethic, and a deep love for his family. His faith guided him throughout his life and was reflected in the way he worked hard, served others, cared for those around him, and remained devoted to Eleanor and their family. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, adventure, and more than a few good stories. His family finds comfort in knowing that this good and faithful servant is now at rest in his eternal home.

Arlyn will be missed by Eleanor, his wife of 66 years; son and daughter-in-law Dean and Jennifer Kraft, Mapleton, ND; daughters and sons-in-law Gail and Bruce Bollinger, Mapleton, ND and Donna and Mark Berge, Tucson, AZ; Grandchildren Audrey McMacken (James), Hannah Dalpiaz (Michael),  Megan Martinez (Ben), Cora Paulbeck (Matt), Sonja Berge (Ganesan), Elsa Bollinger (Chris), Lawson Kraft and Adrienne Kraft; Great grandchildren Ethan and Emmett McMacken, Eleanor, Arlo and Winifred Dalpiaz, and Ezra and Silas Martinez. Sister Phyllis Schroeder, Belle Plaine, MN; Brother Phillip (Darlene) Kraft Shelby Township, MI; foster brother, Melvin Boomgarden, Detroit Lakes, MN; Sister and brother in law, Beatrice Priewe, Fargo, ND and Ken Olson, Fargo, ND; and too many nieces, nephews and cousins to mention.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Erna Kraft; his in-laws, Villa and Wilmar Olson; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Marvin Kerr; brother-in-law, Noel Schroeder and sister-in-law, Deborah Olson.

Visitation: Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.

Memorial Service: Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 AM at St. Andrew Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.

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