Anna "Ann" Mary Kraft Sadtler

Cherished matriarch of our loving family, Anna (Ann) Mary Kraft Sadtler, 97, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, in Plainfield, IN. A lifelong resident of New Albany, Ann moved to Cumberland Trace in 2019, where she treasured family visits and celebrations. She was a vibrant and active member of her assisted living community.

Ann was born to George Armin and Antoinette Marie Kistner Kraft on July 14, 1928. Ann attended St. Mary’s Grade School (Class of ‘42) and Loretto High School in Louisville. After graduating from Webster College in St. Louis with a major in French, she married Frederick (Fritz) Charles Sadtler, on June 21, 1952. Ann and Fritz welcomed four children during their marriage of 12 years.

Her 32-year teaching career at Holy Family School began in 1964 after the untimely death of her beloved husband, Fritz. While teaching and raising her family, she completed both an education and master’s degree, plus student teaching. Ann’s enthusiasm for learning inspired her children, her grandchildren, and hundreds of her students.

With the encouragement of her dear brother, Paul Kraft, and his wife, Dot, Ann bravely purchased a pop-up camping trailer for her young family. We share many fun memories of her taking us on travel adventures, often with our cousins and as part of the storied BPOTTAGESWA camping club.

Ann’s unwavering dedication to her Catholic faith was a source of abiding purpose during her life. She was a choir member, soup kitchen volunteer, an English tutor, and a relief parish secretary. For many years, she volunteered in the out-patient surgery waiting area of Floyd Memorial Hospital.

She enjoyed square dancing, playing bridge, Alpha Club, French conversation class (as well as all things French), European trips, tennis, her pet dogs, and solving a variety of challenging puzzles. In recent years, she particularly liked painting; many of her family members have creative artwork of hers to remember her by. Ann was never one to miss the bingo games at Cumberland Trace, playing her last on the evening before her passing.

A ready smile, keen interest in people, avid listening ability, fun-loving approach to life, and feistiness endeared her to everyone.

Ann is survived by her children, Carolyn (Dennis) Keefe, Susie (Tony) Geswein, Fritz (Faith) Sadtler, and Jim (Kaaren) Sadtler. She was very proud of her 11 grandchildren: Michael (Kimberly) Keefe, Brian (Laura) Keefe, David (Rebecca) Geswein, Brad (Virginia) Geswein, Laura (Tyler) Henshaw, Bryce (Mary) Sadtler, Graham (Emily Yam) Sadtler, Austin (Mindy Otten) Sadtler, Andrea (Michael) Hoops, Patrick (Ali) Sadtler, and Jared (Laura) Sadtler. Ann was absolutely delighted with her 23 great-grandchildren.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers, Frank and Paul, and her sisters, Dorothy and Esther.

Our family wishes to express sincere appreciation to the personnel at Cumberland Trace Senior Living for their dedication and care in making Ann feel at home for the past seven years.

Memorial contributions in Ann’s honor may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 415 E. 8th Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150

Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 East Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana 47150, on April 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Her Funeral Mass will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church, 415 E 8th St, New Albany, Indiana 47150, on April 10, 2026, at 10:00 am.  

Her final resting place will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in New Albany.