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Eugene M. Kraft was born the son of Michael Kraft and Mary (Knecht) Kraft on October 17, 1928 in Kansas City, KS where he grew up. Niles completed his high school education at St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, OH. He was received into the novitiate on August 15, 1946 and made his first profession of vows on August 16, 1947 at Mt. Airy (Cincinnati, OH). He pursued Philosophy studies at Duns Scotus College in Southfield, (Detroit, MI) and made solemn vows there on August 16, 1950. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1955 at the Theologate in Oldenburg, IN. Prior to coming to the Native missions of the Southwest, Niles served in parishes in Cincinnati, OH and Lafayette, IN. In July 1959, he arrived at Zuni Pueblo and served as pastor and fund raiser for the parish grade school until August 1973. He also ministered in parishes at St. Fidel, NM and Dunedin and Gulfport, FL before being assigned to St. Berard Mission in navajo, NM in June 1977. Here he lived and served his beloved Navajo brothers and sisters until his death on June 20, 2003. Niles was devoted to the Native American apostolates of OLG and SJB provinces. He initiated innovative collaborative ministry with various religious sisters' congregations over the years at his missions and encouraged and ministered with navajo permanent deacons and their wives with much success. Niles was highly respectful of Native culture and traditions and will be missed by the countless lives he touched with his caring Franciscan ministry over the years. He is survived by his sister, Gertrude Knipper of Pensacola, FL; and Vincent Kraft of Kansas City, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. Personal expressions of sympathy to Niles' family can be made to Jeanne and Martha Stonestreet, 4731 Switzer, Merriam, KS, 66203-1260. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Franciscan Indian Missions, 1350 Lakeview Rd., SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. Visitation will take place on Wednesday morning, June 25, 2003 at 8:30 a.m. MDT at St. Michaels Mission Parish Church, St. Michaels, AZ. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 11:00 a.m. MDT. Burial will take place in the friars plot in St. Michaels Community Cemetery, St. Michaels, AZ. A reception at the parish hall will follow the Committal Service.
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