D. Kent Craun

D. Kent Craun, 86, of Mason City, died Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Heritage Care and Rehabilitation Center. 

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N Pennsylvania, with Rev. Dan Gerrietts officiating.

 Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania. 

Those wishing to give a memorial may direct it to Mercy Ambassadors, Trinity Lutheran Church, or KCMR. 

Kent was born on March 7, 1938, in Sibley, Iowa the son of Lester and Augusta (Sehr) Craun. He was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Ocheyedan. He grew up on a farm. He attended country school in Oseceola County for three years, and then attended school in Ocheyedan, graduating in 1956. Kent continued his education at Westmar College, Le Mars, majoring in elementary education.  He received his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD in 1968. 

In December of 1960, Kent started his teaching career in Hartley, where he met his wife, Janice. He married Janice Friedland on August 17, 1963, in Wakonda, SD. Kent taught in Hartley for 3 ¾ years, in Jackson, MN for 5 years, and 28 years in Mason City at Washington Elementary and John Adams Middle School; retiring in 1997. 

After retiring, he worked at Kraft Foods and as a night auditor at Heartland Inn in Clear Lake. In Kent’s retirement he volunteered at MercyOne, where he has over 6000 hours. In 2011, he was selected at Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa’s Shining Star. He was a lifelong member of ISEA and NEA, Opportunity Village Family/Friends, and Grapevine Twist Square Dance Club. He served as treasurer for the Mason City Area Retired School Personnel. Ambassadors at Mercy and KCMR. He played bass in the New Horizon band, and he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he played in the handbell choir for 25 years, and enjoyed visiting shut-ins. 

Kent enjoyed writing letters, square dancing, and going to concerts at NIACC. He kept a daily journal since 1950 and enjoyed sharing it with family and friends. 

Kent is survived by his children, Stace Craun and Crystal Cary, both of Mason City; three grandchildren, Amanda Cary (Jesse Tonn), Christopher (Kari) Cary, and Mariah (RJ) Boehmer; great grandchildren, Alec, Westin, Ryker, Enzo, Lilly, Khloe, Colton, Evan, and Karly; many nieces and nephews, and a special niece, Pat (John) Klatt, Jr., Lake Park, Iowa. 

Kent was preceded in death by his wife, Jan; an infant daughter, son, Grayson Craun; his parents, brothers Arlo and Maurice; and sisters, Mardella Bebee and Arlene Bodey.