Elrane "Al" Oris Kraft

Al was born in Erskine, Minnesota in 1928. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and later as a charter member of the United States Air Force following its establishment in 1947. His military career allowed him to travel to many far away places like Iwo Jima, Japan, Korea, and Point Barrow, Alaska. When stationed at Fairchild AFB, he met Betty McClain and they were married on Nov 6th 1961 in Spokane. Then it was off to the Philippines before coming back to the United States to finish his USAF career. Al retired from the USAF in 1970 and the family moved to Vancouver, Washington as he started a new career with the US Postal Service. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1990 and then after few years Al and Betty retired to Spokane.

After moving to Spokane, Al joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was a very active member, participating in many events and projects. He enjoyed his time with the RMEF and the many friends he made there.

A true outdoorsman, he loved fishing and hunting, and spent countless days under open skies enjoying the peace and challenge of nature. He passed that love on to his two sons, Harvey and James, with whom he shared many of his greatest adventures.

He was married to his beloved wife, Betty, for nearly 64 years.

He is survived by his two sons, Harvey and James four grandchildren, Katrina, Diana, Daniel, and Caitlyn, and two great grandchildren, Rowan and John, many friends and relatives who will miss his wisdom, wit, and the warmth of his stories. He was preceded in death by Betty and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

A service to honor his life and legacy will be held on May 2nd at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a veterans’ organization or wildlife conservation group close to your heart. A military honors ceremony will be performed at the Medical Lake Veterans’ cemetery on May 5th.