Douglas "Duke" Kracht

Douglas “Duke” Kracht, 68, a lifelong resident of Mantorville, MN passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Duke was born on July 16, 1952 in Rochester, MN to Harold and Norma (Kramer) Kracht.

Duke was truly one of a kind.  Anyone who knew him, knew he had a heart made of gold.  That smile of his could light up the entire universe.  Rarely does a person ever come across someone with as much loyalty, longevity, talent, compassion, and dedication that Duke had.  He truly treasured all of his friends and family.  He always looked forward to chatting with them or keeping in touch with an email.

Duke was a man of many trades.   He was a generous man and always a thinker and a tinkerer.  He was a quick learner and self-taught man.  Someone whom friends and family looked up to and respected.  He built his own pontoon, along with hundreds of other projects he completed in life.  He always saw the value in everything and could not stand to see something thrown out.  He was also very strong willed, confident, intriguing, and sometimes mysterious.  He absolutely loved the small town of Mantorville, he served the community in his work at the Hubbell House for 52 years and served 18 years in the Mantorville Fire Department.  Duke began his working career in 1969 at the Hubbell House in Mantorville, MN and continued to be employed there until the time of his death.  Over his career there, he performed just about every position in the restaurant.   In recent years he reduced his hours there so he could spend time with his fiancé, Becky, or just relaxing on his comfortable porch overlooking the action at the Hubbell House.  He also enjoyed spending time with Becky’s children and grandchildren, whom he loved and cared for like his own.  They were his joy and always brought that magical smile to his face.  They fulfilled his life and what a blessing they were to him.

Duke would want to be remembered for his many years of hard work, dedication, generous personality, and his loyalty to his family and friends.

We will all miss his strong presence and his words of wisdom.  Doug, you were so IMPRESSIVE, we will all love you forever!

Duke is survived by his siblings, Bennett (Judy) Kracht, Jeffrey (Barbara) Kracht, Marilyn (Lynn) Musolf, and Kevin Kracht; nieces and nephews; fiancé, Becky Schletty of Mantorville, MN; Becky’s children, Ashley (Matt) Hodgman, Emily Johnson, and Chase Johnson; 11 grandchildren, Noah, Kennedy, Preslee, Patience, Tristan, Rylan, Paeden, Talon, Titan, Kyler and Lowen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Norma Kracht; two sisters, Linda and Carole; Becky’s daughter, Sara Johnson; and Cory Cassidy.

A celebration of life will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Hubbell House, 502 North Main Street Mantorville, MN.  Due to COVID-19 health concerns, masks and social distancing measures are required.  A private family burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kasson, MN at a later date.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, 801 7th Street SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.