Joan Marie Kraft

Joan Marie (Duray) Kraft, 88, of Freeport, entered her Heavenly home with the understated grace and dignity of which she lived her life. She peacefully passed while at home on her beloved farm, surrounded by those who she has trusted and loved during this journey. Joan was always content and happy to be mother and homemaker for her children, all the while humbly hiding her business acumen running a successful farm for most of her life supported by her loving son Dan. She was at her best when engaging in conversation, always leading to her infectious laughter which brightened every room she entered. She never met a stranger and would talk to anyone nearby creating strong bonds with other farmers, people she'd cared for as a health care worker, church members, and random people on trains, or grocery store lines. No one was immune to Joan's charms. Her love extended to those who she held dear, and her open mindedness never failed to surprise. Her lifelong passions included crocheting, to the point that she'd crochet blankets for all the newborn babies at The Pregnancy Crisis Center and reading with such an appetite for knowledge that it didn't matter what kind of book she read, but her sweet spot was for biographies. Joan's eyes twinkled brightly until nearing her 89th birthday, a milestone she was proud to share. As she enters Heaven, she knows she'll be welcomed by her parents (Charles and Marie (Nehus) Duray), brother and sister (Larry and Mary), and husband (Spencer). Staying behind to keep her good-natured spirit alive are her children Kathy (Richard Dame), Dan, Dave (Sandy), Martha (Michael Taylor), Annette (Jude Yount), and Dennis (Jared Slothower). Also surviving her is her sister Jan (Art Krieger) and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday September 17, 2021, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Father Peter Snieg will officiate. Visitation 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Joan's memory. Cemetery Details Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 2514 IL-26 Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Previous Events Visitation SEP 17. 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map Funeral Service SEP 17. 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (CT) St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1400 Kiwanis Drive Freeport, IL 61032 Loading map