Obituary of Donald L. Kraft

Donald L. Kraft, 85, of Banning, CA passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, October 11, 2014.Born on January 19th, 1929 in Pomona, CA to Frank and Marguerite Kraft, he attended Pomona area schools and went on to play football for Chaffey College. The family moved to Banning, in 1951 and opened the Sun-up Dairy. Don served in the military during the Korean War, where he met and married his wife, Elle “Rustie” Kraft. After the dairy closed, he and his wife “Rustie” owned and operated the Banning Feed and Supply. After closing in the mid 1960’s he then worked at Beckham Brothers Ready Mix (later Matich), by day and the Banning Truck Scales for the County of Riverside at night. After retirement, Don would take occasional trucking jobs, driving for Budweiser, Beaumont Concrete Co., and various independent truck drivers. Don was very active in the community as a volunteer fireman, a member of the Lion’s Club, the Banning Sportsman’s Club, the Gilman Ranch Hands, and at one time even lived at the Gilman Ranch. Don will be especially remembered for his love of family reunions, going to the Colorado River, water skiing, team roping, long horseback rides, and participating in many parades and rodeos. Later in life, after his retirement, he enjoyed motorcycle rides, going to coffee with the guys, and the Temecula balloon festival. Don loved to include his grandchildren in every adventure he could. Don is survived by his daughters: Dayna Kraft of Banning, Donette Hope and son-in law David of Banning, and Delene Gonzales and son-in law Greg of Cherry Valley; grandchildren Eric Kraft, Colene Trotter-Raitt and Kent Gonzales; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Trotter-Raitt, and his brother Arthur Kraft. Don was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Elle “Rustie” Kraft, his brother Jack Lewis Kraft, and parents Frank and Marguerite Kraft. The family would like to thank Dr. Joreteg and his staff and the Redlands Community Hospice. His services will be held Friday, November 7, at 11 a.m.at Wiefels and Son Mortuary in Banning, with private interment at Riverside National Cemetery.