"I worked with Nancy at UIHC and considered her a friend. She was very passionate about her work , and her family. I can still hear her tell a story about camping in Canada and how the stars looked big enough to touch. I have thought of her often and was sorry to hear of her passing. I am sorry for your loss. "
In loving memory of
Nancy F. Kraft
September 30, 1941 - August 20, 2019
Nancy F. Kraft, 77, of West Burlington died Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at her residence with her husband at her side.
Born September 30, 1941 in Centerville, IA, she was the daughter of Harlan Olin and Fannie Mae "Fern" (Kerschner) Driskell. She married John R. "Jack" Kraft on November 26, 1959. He died July 13, 1989. She married Ronald R. "Ron" Siegel December 28, 2002, in Burlington.
Nancy graduated from Burlington High School in 1959. On May 10, 1990 she graduated from Southeastern Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. In 1993 she graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was recognized for many achievements including Summa Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society, All-American Scholar, National Dean's List, National Collegiate Education Award, and received a 1993-1994 Internship at the University of Iowa, Dietetic Department. She traveled to Medical missions in the late 1990's. She worked at a rehabilitation facility for drug and alcohol abuse (Halfway House), consultation jobs for several nursing homes (mainly Cedar Manor in Tipton, IA), was a hairdresser with her mother at Driskell Beauty Shop for many years, and was employed at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in the Dietetic Department, Food and Nutrition Services Outpatient Clinic for Cancer Digestive Diseases.
She was a woman of strong faith and an active member of Oak Street Baptist Church.
Nancy centered her life around her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, special coffee group and Oak Street Baptist Church. She had a love for travel and was known as an excellent seamstress, cook and artist.
Survivors include her husband Ron of West Burlington; two children, Johna R. (Brad Murphy) Kraft of Mediapolis, IA and Theodore R. "Theo" (Cynthia) Kraft of Punta Gorda, FL; three step-children, Tamara Siegel of Iowa City, IA, Thomas Siegel, and Anthony Siegel both of Davenport, IA; eleven grandchildren, Ariana (Jared) Roush, Elora Kraft, Ileia Kraft, Isaiah Kraft, Olesia Kraft, Uriella Kraft, Azariah Kraft, Elonyssa Kraft, Obadiah Kraft, Bethany Gallichan and Kelsey (Ian) Scott; and one brother, Stanley (Oi) Driskell of Ann Arbor, MI.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, and one brother, Winston Jay Driskell.
The funeral service for Nancy Kraft will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24th at Oak Street Baptist Church. Pastor Ralph Wingate will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 23rd at Lunning Chapel.
Memorials have been established for Oak Street Baptist Church or UIHC Food and Nutrition Services.
Tributes
"To our beautiful, strong red headed cousin. We cannot be there in person but you are forever in our hearts and memories. We will miss you until we meet again. Love, Butch and Teresa"
"I will never forget making potato necklaces with you and accidentally turning the mixer on too high and sending flour everywhere in your kitchen and ourselves. Oh, how we laughed (: Love and miss you, Grandma "
"Sorry for your loss old friend"
"Nancy and I go way back. Her Mom was my Sunday School teacher. Nancy and I were in Mrs. Dodds class together with Edie Jaeger, Barbara Graham, Bernice Anderson and a Gieselman girl. In high school we shared good times in the after school Bible club. I am glad she was able to partake in traveling for missions. She radiated Christ;like love toward others. I was so looking forward to visiting with her again at our 60th reunion. Nancy will be so missed. My heart and prayers go out to Ron and family. Lois Martin Vice"
"As a class mate from Horace Mann through the class of 1959 at BHS, I admired her friendly attitude, and her perseverance to further her education beyond her high school years and dedicate her life to serving other people and many, many organizations. She is and was a bright light in this world and I am glad to have known her."
"I was a BHS classmate in the class of 59. Did not know Nancy well, but her friends always spoke well of her. I do remember her helping me with homework which turned out to be very important as I was later diagnosed as dialect. Always remembered Nancy for her helping hand and consistent with her character in life. God bless. Iran (Mike) Hammer, Class of 59."
"Sorry for your loss, sending thoughts and prayers Mary Seager Christe"
"I am so grateful that we had such a good conversation before you passed into eternity. I am so grateful I sent the wedding pictures for you to enjoy while you still could. I am so grateful that my last words you read from me were ?I love you, mom?. My heart breaks but I know we will be raised together on the last day because Jesus rose from the dead. I will always love you. "
"I'm so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of my times with Nancy. Deb (Hofmann) Barbeln"
"I?m so sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers to the family!!"