HELEN KRAFT

HELEN KRAFT December 3, 1926 ~ June 24, 2026
Helen Alberta Kraft (née Haugan), beloved mother of Darlene Holt, Deborah (Gordon) Taylor, VaLinda (Frank) Ivanics and Susan (Alvin) French, passed from earth to heaven at St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the age of 99 years. She is also remembered by her nine treasured grandchildren: Daniel (Mya) Kraft, Todd (Kym) Holt, Jason (Tory) Taylor, Brent (Karen) Taylor, Damon (Kim) Ivanics, Troy (Gayle) Ivanics, Lana (Greg) Wright, Brooke (Dalton) Houghton and Austin French; her twenty- two great-grandchildren are Stella, Emmett, and Griffin Kraft; Leah, Emily, and Bennett Holt; Robyn, Lauren (Richard), and Kyle Taylor; Kirill Yashenkov; Olivia and Charlotte Taylor; Parker, Ella, and Ryan Ambury; Sydney, Trina and Derek Ivanics; Janaye, Raydn and Lincoln Wright; and Donovan Houghton, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her husband, Delbert (1995); two children, Lorraine (1957) and Daryl (2003); her parents, Lars and Anna Haugan and three siblings, Ila Lovett, Henry Haugan and Amy Robson.
Helen was born on December 3, 1926, and raised on the Haugan homestead south of Orion, Alberta. She grew up in a loving, supportive home and community. She attended school in Orion before completing high school in Medicine Hat.
During her senior year of high school, Helen was charmed by a handsome young rancher, Delbert Kraft, at a local dance where his light-footed two-step caught her eye. The couple married on October 21,1944, and started their life together in a genuine log cabin along Piegan Creek at the “Old Kraft Place.” Four years later, they relocated five miles west to the ranch where their family continues the ranching legacy to this day.
At the age of 65, Helen retired from ranching and settled in Medicine Hat to dedicate herself full-time to care for both her husband and father in their later years. After their passing’s, Helen slowly learned to embrace life again. She reignited her love of art with lessons and painting with friends, volunteered at the Post Thrift Store and played bridge at every opportunity. Less than three years ago, as her eyesight dimmed, Helen decided to sell her home and become part of the Chinook Village community. She enjoyed meeting new friends, volunteering and participating in every activity.
Helen was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved and cared for each of her six children so uniquely that they all believed they were that special one. Helen’s nurturing extended far beyond her immediate family, embracing nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours who sought solace in her care.
Helen’s creative touch brought beauty to everything she embraced – from landscaping and gardening, to sketching, sewing and a myriad of handicrafts.
She will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered and forever held in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Celebration Of Life
Terrace Room – Chinook Village
2801 – 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta
Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
Pastor Bob Church officiating
Private interment was held at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com ) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”