Dean Leon Kraack, 90

Dean Leon Kraack passed away Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, at Hospice Schneidmiller house in Hayden, Idaho. He was 90 years old. He was born Feb. 23, 1935, to John and Alberta Kraack and was one of 10 children. 

The family settled in the Rose Lake area where Dean excelled in sports during his school years. He graduated from Rose Lake High School in 1953. He married Loretta Piper, and they had five children. The couple later divorced and he met and married the love of his life, Betty Ballard, in 1982. They lived a happy and fulfilling life together until her passing in 1996.

Dean’s sole employer was the Potlatch Corporation. He began at the Rutledge Mill in Coeur d’Alene and transferred to the St. Maries complex shortly before his retirement in 1990.

His love of sports was constant throughout his life. He often attended sporting events, especially when his children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews were involved. When at home the TV was always tuned to sports, no matter the team or event he would settle down in his rocker and watch. Later in life he spent as much time as he could crabbing on the Oregon coast with his sons.

Dean built his own home overlooking Cave Lake and because he was also an avid hunter, he built a walk-in cooler inside his garage and outfitted his basement kitchen so he could process deer and elk meat. Family and friends spent many hours working alongside him and laughing, telling stories, having a drink or two and just enjoying his company while cutting and wrapping “the bounty.”

He liked to cook and was an exceptional pie maker. These were often made for his family members and friends celebrating succeeding in life events. These were called “Victory Pies.” You knew you had hit the jackpot if you ever stopped by to visit and he had been baking. You would receive such a winning combination, a delicious piece of pie and the pleasure of his company. 

Dean is survived by his children, Lonnie (Ronnita) Kraack of Cataldo, Idaho, Kathy (Ralph) Kahn of Medimont, Idaho, Terry (Sheila) Kraack of Yoncalla, Ore., Tim (Teresa) Kraack of Harrison, Idaho, and Wendy (Bill) Jones of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren with two on the way. 

Dean was predeceased in death by his parents; brothers Alvin, John and Rich Kraack; and sisters Geraldine Howe, Francis Plemons and Beverly Kamstra. His surviving siblings are Diane Halverson of Spokane, Wash., Mike (Pam) Kraack of Hayden and Pete (Beverly) Kraack of Newport, Ore. 

The family would like to thank the staff and his friends at Legends Park assisted living facility for treating Dean like family during the last 20 months of his life, and to Hospice of North Idaho, our heartfelt thanks for providing compassion and kindness beyond belief. 

At Dean’s request, there will be no services. His immediate family will gather next summer to celebrate his life up the Joe at Big Creek, his favorite hunting spot. 

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Dean’s online memorial to share memories and photos at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.