Sister Agnes Kraft

Sister Agnes Kraft, 90, died unexpectedly at Mount Saint Benedict on November 5, 2014. She was born in Karlsruhe, ND, on September 19, 1924, the oldest of twelve children born to Johanna (Jennie Merck) and Fred Kraft. Influenced by the example of Sister Bonaventure Merck, her aunt, Agnes began thinking about being a sister when she was in the fourth grade, but she never spoke about her dream until she was about 17 years of age. Agnes entered Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in 1942 and made her final profession on July 11, 1947.

After entering the monastic community her practical and orderly ways quickly became apparent, and her first assignment was as cook for the sisters in Rosen, MN. She recalled that she learned to bake something new for the sisters to enjoy each day after school. Succeeding assignments were to Mahnomen, Barnesville, and Red Lake Falls, where she also was a teacher's aide and had been dietary supervisor in the Red Lake Falls Hospital. A later appointment was as manager of the kitchen at the Bishop's house for twelve years. Sister Agnes had many opportunities to exercise her ever growing artistic and culinary talents. She used to say "we eat with our eyes" and would always have food attractively arranged and served. Sister later graduated from Silver Lake College of the Holy Family, Manitowac, WI with a degree in home economics. After some twenty years in food service Sister Agnes accepted some part-time positions at Saint Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lake, MN and in two assisted living centers. Sister wrote, "I helped with the food preparation and waited on table. It was the joy of my life." The whole burden was not on her. When Sister Agnes returned to the Monastery she assumed charge of the monastery gift shop. There she used her talents in quilting and making jellies and marmalade for the sisters and for sale. Sister Agnes took every opportunity for growth in her professional and spiritual life. She also enjoyed quiet days at the cottage where she appreciated nature and the opportunity to rest, read and pray. Sister also enjoyed taking piano lessons from Sister Victorine. Sister Agnes was also an avid basketball fan. Sister Agnes is survived by Jean Gefroh of Bismarck, ND, Alice Gustafson of Billings, MT, Colette (Gerald) Hamele of Papillion, NB, Clair (Gerry) Kraft of Grand Forks, ND, Arnold (Betty) Kraft, Karlsruhe, ND, Jim (Eileen) Kraft, Minot, ND, Fred (Della) Kraft of Bismarck, ND and many nieces and nephews and the Sisters of Saint Benedict. Sister Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, David and Bonaventure and two sisters, Hedwig and Vickie. Reception of Sister Agnes's body will be at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 11, followed by visitation until the 7:00 p.m. prayer service. Her funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2014, with Msgr. Roger Grundhaus presiding. All services will be in Sacred Heart Chapel, Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 620 Summit Ave. Crookston, MN. Gifts in memory of Sister Agnes are preferred to Mount Saint Benedict Foundation. Online registry:

www.stenshoelhouske.com

Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Previous Events

Visitation
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Service
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
cemetery
Wednesday, November 12, 2014