Siutulei "Lei" Kraft

Siutulei "Lei" T. Kraft, 68, of Kingsley, IA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 7, 2013, after fighting a 14-month inspiring battle with pancreatic cancer. Lei was born July 15, 1944 in Utulei, American Samoa, the daughter of Tanielu and Fale (Soliai) Tupua. She was raised in the village of Vaitogi, and graduated from high school in American Samoa. Lei moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she met her future husband, Ken Kraft of Kingsley, Iowa, who was stationed at Pearl Harbor with United States Navy. Lei and Ken were united in marriage on November 28, 1970 in Monaloa, Hawaii. They were blessed with two sons, Loi and Mike. The family moved to Kingsley, IA in 1974, where they have resided since.Lei loved to care for people, working as a certified nurse's aide at the nursing home in Kingsley for over 20 years. She also worked at Kraft Kleaners of Kingsley, and Mid-Step Services in Moville. She lovingly provided childcare for her grandchildren. Lei was a member of the New Life Baptist Church of Kingsley, where she served in many positions, such as Sunday School teacher, Nursery worker, Tech crew, Vacation Bible School, Women's ministries, and Bible Studies. Lei, as a member of the Iowa Rural Letter Carriers Association, served in multiple positions in the auxiliary, including State President. Lei enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren in their various sporting events. She also participated in bowling and golf, along with exercise programs. She loved tending her flowers and being outdoors.One of her favorite annual events was her summer birthday party, which included water fights, Samoan music, barbeque and lots of fun.Lei is an incredible gift to all who knew her. She is a living testimony of her faith, and had a gentle boldness in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, providing a legacy that lives on through all she touched.Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Ken of Kingsley; her two sons and their families, Loi and Rita Kraft, Zachary and Connor, of LeMars; Mike and Deb Kraft, Abbie, Emily, Kaden and Jacob, of Kingsley; brothers, Dan Tupua, Ma'ave (Marcy) Tupua; sisters, Faa'ee Malaga, Gase Aukusa, VaiVai Finauga, and Vaolele (Mareko) Utuga; her mother-in-law, Peg and her husband, Charles Knudsen of Kingsley; brothers-in-law, Larry Kraft, of Kingsley, and Doug (Vanease) Kraft, of Kingsley; sister-in-law, Julie Kraft (Richard Haynes) of Robins, IA; numerous nieces and nephews, along with numerous friends. She was preceded in death by parents; brothers, Ualesi Tupua, Ilai Tupua, Loia Tupua; sisters, Gase Matautia, Sialele Mao, Suepepe Kopa; father-in-law, E.A. Kraft, and a grandchild.