Watch Charlotte's Memorial Service

Charlotte Joyce Kraft, 70, of Gary, MN passed away peacefully on September 13, 2020, in her home under the loving care of her family, friends, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Charlotte J. Ystenes was born on October 20, 1949 in Mahnomen, MN, to the late Lloyd and Bertha (Flaw) Ystenes. She grew up on a farm near Bejou, MN, with her four siblings:  Barbra, Lenora, Linda, and Lloyd Jr. She attended schools in Fertile and Moorhead, graduating with the class of 1967. She met her husband, Raymond, and married in 1968. The couple settled into a life of farming where they lived for the past 50+ years raising a beautiful family in rural Gary.

Charlotte was a devoted mother raising her six children and influencing the lives of her thirteen grandchildren. For the past 16 years, Char, as she was known to her friends and family, worked at the Minnesota State Group Home near Mahnomen, compassionately caring for disabled adults who she also considered friends. She enjoyed visiting with her friends, both in and out of work, and was a loyal and trusted confidant to many.

Char had a passion for baking, sewing, and making quilts for her family and friends. These hobbies brought many blue ribbons in numerous county fairs over the years, but one of her greatest joys was passing these passions on to her children and grandchildren. Char had a heart of gold, and was a kind, caring person who gave generously of her time to help others. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends. Char was a beautiful person, and a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, co-worker, and neighbor. She leaves a lasting impact on the world and a strong legacy.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Kraft Jr., of Gary; children:  Ryan of Southern Pines, NC; Scott (Jeni) of Moorhead, MN; Jason (Raquel) of Twin Valley, MN; RaChelle Boman of Twin Valley; Rick of Gary; Randy (Tabitha) of Sabin, MN; grandchildren:  Zack, Derrick, Dominick, Isaac, McKayla, Hunter, McKenna, Rylee, Aaron, Tori, Noah, Annabelle, and Titan; and great-grandchildren:  Liam, Jade, and a soon to be baby boy; her two sisters:  Lenora Hanson, and Linda (Roger) Hagen. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Barbra; her brother, Lloyd Jr.; and two nephews: Darren and little Gordy Hanson.

In lieu of flower, the family prefers that memorials be given. They will donate to local charities in Charlotte's memory.

A memorial service will be at 10 am, Saturday, September 19, 2020, at Heiberg Park near Twin Valley, Minnesota, following the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Masks are required to attend.