Gary Kraft

Gary G. Kraft, age 77 of Rockford, Iowa died Tuesday March 28, 2023 at Good Shepherd Manor in Mason City. DUE TO THE PENDING BAD WEATHER the Graveside service will be held at 12:30 Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Allison Cemetery. Online condolences for the Kraft family may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com. Gary was born on Aug. 10, 1945, to George and Marian Kraft, and he grew up on the family farm in the Nashua area, where he developed the strong work ethic that carried him throughout his life and also a lifelong love for mechanics. He attended county school before going to Nashua Community Schools, where he was a member of Nashua High School's Class of 1964. After graduating from high school, he went right to work for various farmers, gas stations and others before finding his calling in the redi-mix business. He took a job with the Yohn Company. He then worked for River City Redi-Mix and spent much of his career with Tom Fisher and Croell Redi-Mix where he worked as the company's major mechanic and also drove whenever he was needed. But as good of a worker as Gary was, he really made his mark in life with his family. He was set up on a blind date with Wanda Thompson, and the two began dating, fell in love and were married on Aug. 13, 1966. They welcomed three children — Pamela, Brian and Gregory — who had a father who worked hard to provide for them and always put them first. When they were little, they would sit on Dad's lap and drive with him, and they'll always remember those days when they'd work on cars together or go sledding — and sometimes the sled was an old car hood! — over at the Old Woods. In his younger days, Gary enjoyed water-skiing and throughout his life he always tinkered with engines. It didn't matter if it was cars, lawnmowers, tractors or motorcycles, Gary could fix them all, and he also could build just about anything and everything. Gary loved his grandchildren with all of his heart, and they loved him right back. From sitting on his lap to taking part in the lawnmower races, time spent with Grandpa was simply the best. He also had an affinity for all God's creatures. Growing up, the farm had all kind of animals, including pet racoons, and throughout his life, Gary was a dog lover, especially when it came to Jay, the family's little terrier, who was always by his side. Gary was always a happy person, and he was a great father, husband and grandparent. He was always there for his family and friends and would do anything for them, and we're going to dearly miss him. Yet, we also know that, as one of his grandchildren put it, his spirit will always thrive and his love will endure through the countless memories he made with us. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda Kraft of Rockford, IA; one son, Brian Kraft of Nashua, IA; one daughter, Pam (Rod) Cagley of Ankeny, IA; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one bother, Robert (Joann) Kraft of Nashua, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gregory Kraft; two sisters, Kathy (Robert) Krumrey, Gloria Kraft.