Cloudy, 59° F
(Sept. 10, 1921 - Nov. 12, 2013)
Frank Kraut, 92, of Cody, died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at West Park Long Term Care Center.
Frank was born Sept. 10, 1921, in Williamsport, Pa., to Matthew and Gretchen Kraut.
He was one of 12 children. Frank left his family farm to proudly serve in the United States Army from 1942 to 1945. Prior to his service, he married Hazel McCool in 1942.
He honorably fought in World War II and received multiple honors and medals including five Bronze Stars. While serving in the military he rose up the ranks to become staff sergeant. Upon returning home to Pennsylvania, the couple had their first child, Karen, and started a family. Frank immediately began to work in various industries such as a steel mill. Frank was an extremely hard worker and liked to use his hands, which led him into owning and operating an auto body repair business.
Frank was also an avid outdoorsman from a young age. He hunted and fished all over the country and had many impressive trophies and mounts.
Later in life, Frank moved to Wyoming and married his second wife, Mary Carey. Frank became a beloved stepfather to Betty Carey and Charles Ellison Carey. He then welcomed his second child, Frankie.
Frank and Mary successfully ran a family-owned auto body shop in Cody until Mary sadly died in June 2002.
Frank also was a father figure to a young man named Kevin Flanigan who became like a son to Frank and avidly joined him on many hunting and fishing trips.
Frank then moved to Florida to soak up some sun and enjoy retirement. Frank’s retirement proved to be an active one as he continued to hunt and fish into his 80s. He returned to Cody in May 2013 to end his years driving up the North and South Fork, visiting with old friends, watching his grandkids play sports, fishing and enjoying prime rib at Frankie’s bar, Brewgards. He also spent many of his last days at the family auto body shop watching and inspecting cars as they came in and out.
Frank is proudly survived by his daughter Karen (Kraut) Wade of Florida; son, Frank W. Kraut and his girlfriend Karisa Hanson; and grandchildren Trey and Tayler Kraut of Cody, Betty Carey of Alaska and Kevin Flanagin of Kentucky.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, all 11 siblings, wife Mary and stepson Charles.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 18, at Ballard Funeral Home in Cody. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held at Brewgards Lounge following the burial at Riverside Cemetery. Food and refreshments will be served at 1 p.m.
An online memorial is available at www.ballardfh.com
