Ralph Kraay 1922-2008

In memory of my grandfather, Ralph Kraay.

Ralph Kraay, 86, of Prior Lake, formerly of Owatonna, died Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at his home. He was born June 2, 1922 in Prairie City, Iowa the son of Cornelius and Susie (Aartsen) Kraay. Ralph moved to Hollandale when he was one. He married Harriet Elaine Medd on July 19, 1946. He joined the Merchant Marines and served during WWII. He farmed on his father’s vegetable farm with his brother-in-law, Leonard Silvis, in Hollandale for 11 years. The couple moved to Owatonna in 1957 where he and his brothers did vegetable farming as Kraay Brothers Inc. until his retirement. In 2002 the couple moved to Prior Lake to be closer to their family. Ralph enjoyed his family, friends, traveling, and his motor home. He is survived by his wife, Harriet, of Prior Lake; five daughters, Diane (Don) Stutesman of Red Wing, Marcia (Wayne) Svenby of Prior Lake, Carol (Roy) Kraft of Cross Lake, Rebecca (Ed) Treinen of Savage, Paula Gainey (special friend Mark Finholt) of Burnsville; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Gertie Silvis of Morago, Calif., J.C. (Doris) Kraay of Owatonna, Sue Veldman of Hollandale, Bob (Till) Kraay of Owatonna, Jim (Darlene) Kraay of Owatonna. Ralph was preceded in death by one sister, Eva Posthumus and an infant son, Paul Scott Kraay. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, July 14, from 5-8 p.m. Memorial services will be held July 15 at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Orlin Mandsager officiating. Ralph’s body was donated to the Department of Anatomy for Anatomical study in Rochester. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, EPES and Friends of Guatemala Scholarship Fund.

He went to school only through the eighth grade. He farmed with his brothers on a family farm most of his life.