Daniel Emanuel Kraft

Daniel Emanuel Kraft, 80, of Billings, peacefully passed away in his home on Feb. 7, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born to Emanuel and Olga Kraft on April 19, 1943, in Billings.

Dan grew up in Stillwater County with his three brothers: Elmer, Ed and Larry. He graduated from Absarokee High School in 1962 and began working for the Forest Service out of Nye, but was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 and served honorably through 1967. In the early ’70s, he began his 25-year career for a national core drilling company in the Pacific Northwest. He started as a driller and his hard work ethic earned him the district manager position.

In 1963, Dan married Sue Garton, his high school sweetheart. They moved to Spokane, Washington, in 1974 and had three children, Brian, Bret, Sandy; and two grandsons, Quintin and Quaid.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Emanuel and Olga; his brothers, Elmer and Larry; his sister-in-law, Peg; and his daughter, Sandy.

He is survived by his brother, Ed; sister-in-law Bev; two sons; two grandsons; two daughters-in-law; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, also at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, followed by a burial at the Rosebud Cemetery in Absarokee at 2 p.m.