April 15, 1936 — December 1, 2023

Bert Kracht, 87, Beaver Creek, Minn., passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023. A funeral service was held at Hartquist Funeral Home – Luverne Chapel on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Interment was in Beaver Creek Cemetery.

Bert “Bud” Kracht was born to Peter and Grace (Flier) Kracht on April 15, 1936, in Rock Rapids, Iowa.  He attended country school with completion of 8th grade and later in life completed his High School/GED in Rock County, Minnesota. On April 18, 1954, he met the love of his life, Theodora De Graaff.  The couple were united in marriage on February 17, 1956, in Hull, Iowa and made their first home on a farm by Rock Rapids, Iowa.  The couple later crossed the nearby border to a farm in Minnesota.  In 1968, Bert and Theo moved to Beaver Creek, Minn.  On Friday, December 1, 2023, Bert went to be with his Lord at the age of 87 years.  

After farming, he was employed at IBP in Luverne, Minn., for 20 years.  On March 23, 1984, he began employment with Beaver Creek Township as the Maintainer/Road Grader Operator for 32 years.  Bert enjoyed working with the farming community. Bert enjoyed riding horse and traveling with the children and their horses in various local parades.  He supported his children and grandchildren with 4-H and FFA activities, a tradition which lives on in his family today.  He loved fishing, gardening, music and square dancing.  He was a square-dance caller in various clubs – The Tri-Square Club in Hills, Minnesota and National Square Dance in Omaha, Nebraska.  Bert and Theo made a wonderful partnership on and off the dance floor for over 56 years. Bert enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Bert loved the Lord and relied on his faith throughout life’s joys and challenges.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver Creek, Minnesota.  His legacy will live on through his survivors.

He is remembered by four children,  Leon and Linda Kracht of Pipestone, Minn., Carl Kracht of Sioux Falls, S.D., Delburt Kracht of Luverne, and Darla and Scott Goodhart of Garretson, S.D.; lifelong family friends, Dan and Lori Thomas of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren, Traci and Mike, Lucas and Kelly, Becky and Derrick, Jessica and Matt, Holly, Joseph and Ruth, Jared, Crystal, Zach, Seth and Shawna; 19 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. 

Bert was preceded in death by his wife, Theodora; his parents and siblings; grandson, Nicholas Kracht; and great-grandson, Micah Sechler.