Martha Albina (Kirschenmann) Kroft

In the early moments of February 28, 2021, Martha Albina Kroft of Laurel,  received her heart’s desire to meet her Lord and Savior.  Surrounded by family, she graduated from her earthly body to her heavenly home during a chaplain’s prayer.  For her family, her presence was replaced by peace.  While we are still adjusting to the exchange, we rejoice at her gain and celebrate with her.

Martha Albina Kroft, 82, was born on May 23, 1938 to Theobold and Martha (Schmierer) Kirschenmann. She was the 8th of 15 children in their family and grew up in Regent, ND.

On October 16, 1959, she married Dennis Kroft - whom she had chased until he caught her. They moved to Billings in 1962. Their family grew as they added four children - all of whom still claim to be the favorite!

Martha answered to daughter, sister, wife, mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend.  She also held a variety of jobs, but the one she loved most was managing Red Barn Antiques, which was the perfect blend of her hobbies and a paycheck.

Alongside her family, Martha’s greatest joys were her faith in Jesus Christ, antiques, sewing & quilting, Taco Bell, political news, garage sales and especially a good deal. She shared and instilled many of those values in her children including her faith, compassion, creativity, the thrill of the treasure hunt, and that appreciation for a deal.

Martha is already missed by her husband, Dennis; her children JoLynn (Stephen) Brown, Todd (Amanda) Kroft, Kim (Boyd) Vopel, and Michael (Nicole) Kroft; 19 grandchildren: Scott (Brittani), Brad (Sarah), Hannah (Matt), Kevin, Seth (Violet), Brandon, Jake, Kristian, Hunter, Gabby, Taylor, Lydia (Dan), Elise, Wyatt and 8 Great Grandchildren: Niko, Kade, Violet, Stephen, Joseph, Silas, Asher and Brinley; 4 siblings August, Leona, Ella, and Roger; and so many others.

Memorial Celebration will be Monday, March 15, 2:00pm, at Word of Life Fellowship, 1737 King Ave W, Billings. If you are unable to attend, Dennis and family would welcome a call or visit to share memories and stories, joy and tears.

Martha’s love of sewing was shown in recent years by helping to purchase treadle sewing machines for women in Tanzania, Africa, providing opportunity to become self-sufficient through support from Neema Village.   Memorial contributions can be given through Word of Life Fellowship to this project:

wordoflifebillings.org / Give to Word of Life Fellowship (pushpay.com)

For further information about Neema’s MAP program you can visit:

neemavillage.org / Neema Village – A Baby Home, A Mothering Center, and A Widows Home