Doris E. Kraft

Doris E. Kraft, 92, longtime resident of Sulphur Springs, died Thursday, December 22, 2016. In recent years she lived in Sartell, Minnesota near her daughter Diana and her family. She struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia but maintained a positive outlook.



She was born September 15, 1924 in Holmes Twp. to the late Arnold and Edna (Cover) Keplinger. After graduating from New Washington High School in 1942, she worked in the area before attending White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus and graduating with the “Jubilee Class of 1950” as a Registered Nurse. Robert C. (Bob) Kraft, one of her high school classmates, overcame his shyness and began dating her after she moved to Columbus. They were married in 1952 and shared 44 years of marriage when he preceded her in death November 16, 1996.



Doris was an active member of her church and community, very meticulous in the way she carried out any project she took on. She played violin in school and instilled her love of music in her children. She worshiped at the former Zion Chapel United Methodist Church and was a current member of Bucyrus UMC. She was very resourceful, recycling and reusing anything she could, canning and freezing fruits and vegetables from their large garden. Doris retired from the Bucyrus City Health Department and she and Bob traveled a lot to visit grandchildren. They were always up for a Sunday drive to various destinations.



She is survived by three children, Neil Kraft of Bowling Green, OH, Beverly (Bryan) Reed of Greensboro, NC, and Diana (Dale) White of Saint Joseph, MN; four grandchildren, James (Sara) Reed of Blaine, MN, Laura (James) Heuser of Astoria, OR, Kelsey (Sven) Berg of Duluth, MN, and Mallory White (Joseph Mullaney) of Beaverton, OR; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.



In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Keplinger and sisters, Marcile May-Martin and Arlene Clayton.



The Krafts will receive family and friends on Friday, December 30 from 4-6 pm at Wise Funeral Service. Her funeral will be held Saturday at 10:30 am at Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Pastor Becky Smithey and Fr. Mark Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.



Memorial contributions are suggested to Bucyrus UMC or the Alzheimer’s Association through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on Doris’ Tribute Wall.