DIANNA LEE KRAFT: June 16, 1944–Aug. 23, 2026
Dianna Lee Kraft, age 82, passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2026, after sharing many special moments with family and friends at Primrose Retirement Community in Gillette, Wyoming.
She was born June 16, 1944, to Art and Alma (Stevens) Hagerman at her grandparents’ home in Weston County. Raised on the family ranch in the Sundance area and in the town of Upton, Wyoming, she attended her school years in Upton, graduating in 1962.
Dianna married William “Bill” Kraft in March of 1962. Together, over the years they made their homes in the surrounding areas of Upton, Hulett, Newcastle, Moorcroft, and Gillette. They eventually moved back to Moorcroft, Wyoming, where they raised their four children, established long-time connections in their community and created a home in the small white house on the big corner lot. After Bill passed in 2016, Dianna worked hard to manage and care for their home and yard, knowing how much pride and enjoyment it brought her husband.
Dianna and Bill worked hand-in-hand on another project that brought them both joy, managing the farm and ranch land that she inherited. And again, after her husband’s passing, Dianna worked independently to manage the business. It was not easy, but doing the tasks and the land itself was one of the ways and places she felt most connected to Bill, her parents and her heritage.
Dianna’s more official career path, after years of being a stay-at-home mom, began at the Moorcroft school. From working in the cafeteria to teacher’s assistant, teacher at Tot Time Pre-school to licensed respite care provider, Dianna’s heart for caring for and teaching children of all ages and abilities was evident. Relationships with co-workers, students, and their families remained steadfast long into her retirement years.
Dianna’s favorite pastime was anything that involved being around family and friends. Her life was filled with meaningful connections: trips to visit grandkids and great-grandkids for birthdays and holidays; planned travel tours with her sister Judy, family, and friends; and weekly drives to Gillette for church, water walking, shopping, and lunches. She enjoyed her weekly appointment at Mousse Lodge Salon both for the hair-do and the friendships that developed there over the years. She cherished special occasion dinners at Buffalo Jump, traveled near and far to sporting events to watch the next generation play, and always welcomed an unplanned friend or neighbor popping in where an interesting conversation and a strong cup of coffee were sure to be shared.
Dianna had an incredible memory for stories, places, people, and events. She happily shared those memories, bringing a smile, sharing a laugh, offering comfort and reminding everyone of the rich history of the families, friends and communities she loved.
Dianna was the youngest and last to pass on to eternity from the Art and Alma Hagerman family, which included her brother, Gene, and sisters, Donna and Judy. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Kraft (2009); and her husband, Bill (2016).
She is survived by her daughters, Shellie (Brent) Christian, and Mandy (Nick) Dukovan; son, Mike Kraft; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many local great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews who filled the role of her beloved “bonus grandkids.”
On Saturday, Sept. 26, a graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery outside Upton. The procession to the gravesite will begin at the Upton Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. An open house at Moorcroft Town Center will be held from noon to 2 p.m. where lunch, refreshments, memories and fellowship is offered to anyone who would like to join in celebrating her life.