Kraig Wesley Durst

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 10, 1970
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Age:
51 years old

Celebration of Life

Date: Saturday May 14, 2022
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 10, 1970
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Age:
51 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, May 10, 1970
Date of Death:
Thursday, May 5, 2022
Age:
51 years old

Kraig Wesley Durst

Kraig Wesley Durst, 51, passed away unexpectedly at home on May 5, 2022.

Anyone who knew Kraig knows what a huge hole his passing leaves in the lives of many. Kraig was born May 10, 1970, to Kenneth Wesley Durst and Ila Jo (Atkinson) Durst in Zumbrota, MN. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Milton Township and attended Kasson-Mantorville schools.  After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Minnesota-Waseca and Rochester Community & Technical College, where he met the love of his life, Louise.  Kraig and Louise were united in marriage on December 5, 1992 and would have celebrated 30 years of marriage together this year.

Kraig was well known in the business community. He started Rochester Service Company in 1991 and proudly served his customers for 30 years before selling the company in December 2021.  Kraig was excited to open Durst Outdoor Services, a family business with his wife and children, in February 2022. The company color of chartreuse green was already starting to appear on trucks, coffee mugs, and hats around town.

Kraig was an avid SKI-DOO snowmobiler. While he enjoyed riding the newest model sled, his passion was collecting vintage snowmobiles and memorabilia. He regularly attended vintage events and swap meets in search of that next perfect piece to add to his collection. Kraig believed in giving back to his community and served in many volunteer roles. He was a member of the Rochester Eagles Club and served on the Board of Directors until mid-2021. He served on the Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission, completing an eight-year term in December 2021.  One of the roles he enjoyed most was being a Cub Scout/Boy Scout leader for Pack/Troop 29 (Rochester Central Lutheran School) for 10 years. Beyond the humans in his life, Kraig loved his dogs, and frequently had one of them as a passenger in his truck.

Kraig is survived by his wife Louise (Pflibsen) Durst, daughter Kassie (Dallas Bast of Floyd, IA) and son Nick, all of Rochester. He is also survived by his father Kenneth (Janice Borgstrom) Durst of Kasson, father-in-law Francis Pflibsen of Lake City, brother Darren (Rachel) Durst of West Concord, sister Anne Nichols of Rochester, sister Terrie (Brian) Connelly of Douglas, sister Stacie (Gerald) Dallmann of Oronoco, stepsister Renata (Mike) Ducharme of Hayfield, stepbrother Coy (Amy) Borgstrom of Kasson, sister-in-law Stacia (Mark) Rosenau of Saint James, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Kraig was preceded in death by his mother Ila Jo Stevenson, mother-in-law Karen Pflibsen, grandparents, and stepbrother Scott Borgstrom. In addition to his family, Kraig leaves behind many who became “like-family”, from friends of his children to his own close friends, and his team of loyal and loved employees. His heart and his home were always open, and he shared both freely.

Kraig’s accomplishments were many, and he left us much too soon.  Those who knew him will remember him for his kindness, loyalty, strong work ethic, and questionable sense of humor.  A private service for the family is planned.  We invite you to join us in celebrating Kraig’s life on Saturday, May 14th, from 2-5 pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1119 11 ½ Street SE, Rochester MN.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Kraig Wesley Durst has received the following condolences.

I am shocked and can't believe I won't hear you again in Tower Mn. It was amazing knowing you. Until we meet again. Rest in Peace.  

The Durst Family,


We are so saddened to hear of Kraigs passing.  He will be missed by many.  You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rip Dusty


Helen and Kent Durst 

Durst Family,


I am so sorry to hear of Kraig’s passing! His smile, and yes his humor will live on!


Thinking of all of you!


Sincerely,


Jenn Frank

Louise , Kassie and Nick , 


I am so so sorry for your loss. You know your Kraig held a special place in our Hearts!! Even though we saw you once a yr. You all are very special to us 


If you are ever in need of ANYTHING we are here for you all. 


We are praying for you all in your time of need???
Love, Terry, Sydney, Erich and Dave 

I am very sad to hear of Kraig's passing. My sincere condolences to the entire family. We knew Kraig from Scout Troop 29. He was always so helpful with the boys and he was a great positive influence on my son, Aaron. I remember him seeming so happy and projecting positive vibes, and of course always willing to volunteer his time and resources. He will be remembered and missed. 

My condoleance to his family. I knew Kraig from his days of cub-scouting for Pack 29. Even after he retired from his role, he kept his playroom ("the dog house") open for scout meetings and let us use his shop for projects. He did a lot for pack 29 and scouting in general. I appreciated Kraig for his no-nonsense -straight-from the hip talking (or facebooking more recently), while remaining on the right side of proper and polite. Kraig was always super busy, but he made time for the scouting activities (I have fond memories of camping trips) that involved his kids. I was happy for him when he sold his company and hoped he would have more time to enjoy his favorite hobby and family. It's such a darn shame that he was taken so early. We'll miss him.

To say how shocked we were to hear of Kraigs passing is an understatement. We have so many fun memories of hanging out together, watching the kids grow up, Christmas parties for Roch service and that egg nog…….  You have our deepest sympathies and prayers for peace and strength as you navigate everything. Hugs to all. Bruce and Jen 

I had the privilege to know Kraig for many years, even was fortunate enough to work for him for a short period of time. Kraig was a pleasure to work for and I seem very fortunate to be able to call him my friend. RIP Dusty you will be MISSED ??

Oh Kraig!  He left behind so many wonderful memories.  I feel truly blessed to have met him in the 90s when working at the Comfort Inn.  So many fun times with the crew!  It was great to run into him recently at a chamber event as he was so excited for his new business.  Though he is gone way before any of us were ready, he left behind wonderful memories and made an impact on so many.  Enjoy heaven Kraig as you can ride your snowmobile every day because there is always fresh powder.  Prayers to all of his family and friends during this difficult time.

Durst family 


So sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.


 


 

We are so sorry for your loss.  We knew Kraig through RCLS and Boy Scout Pack/Troop 29. His commitment rubbed off on others.  It was plain that he didn't do anything half-way.  We pray that your memories will sustain you in this time of sorrow and that you will find comfort in knowing that he lived a good life and touched innumerable others.  Peace to you.

I will be just one of many in the Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Hobby that will really miss Kraig.  He was a fixture at some of my favorite events and typically there with Kassie and Nick and you could tell how much that meant to him.  It was a family sport to Kraig.  His passion for the yellow Ski-doo's probably even enhanced our relationship.  We always had plenty to talk smart about.  


Thoughts and prayers to his Family and Friends.  We will miss him.

He was a great guy to get to know and meet and had tons of knowledge! He will be missed dearly. He always had a smile on no matter how gloomy of a day it mivht have been and have a great sense of humor. Sending thoughts and prayers fo the Durst family

My sympathy to Louise, Kassie and Nick on your great loss. May God give you strength in these sad days. 

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers for peace and strength during this difficult time. 

My condolences to the Durst family.


He will be deeply missed as a friend and as his role in the paving business, he was always there for you!


Brian Haskin

We are so sorry to hear about Kraig’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family. Kraig was a great neighbor, always greeting with a wave and a kind word. He will be missed. 

Kenny,


I am so sorry to hear about your son!  My daughter is the same age.. I can’t imagine your pain.  Please know I’m thinking of you, sending love, hugs, and prayers to you and the family!


Nancy

It is with extreme sorrow to hear of Kraig's passing, I had the privilege of attending school with Kraig and Anne, Darrin and Terrie, I am truly sorrow for your loss.

Prayers and hugs to the Durst family.  The Apache Team enjoyed working with Kraig on parking lot projects.  He was so excited to tell us about his new company and show off the new company color.  He rattled off the names of what the vehicles would be called.  I will truly miss his smile and our working relationship.  I’m sure he will have a few tricks up his sleeve when he crosses over.  May he Rest In Peace.

My heart is heavy for your loss - mere words can not express feelings nor are there enough superlatives to describe how big of a man he was. Often we go through our lives wondering if we made an impact - there was no doubt that he changed people's lives.


I will miss him.


Kevin

I have known Kraig since I was a little boy growing up in Wasioja and even had the pleasure of working with him for a while at Rochester Service Company and subsequent to then, we continued to stay in touch on a consistent basis.  He had a heart of gold, was a passionate and dedicated family man and always cultivated and brought out the best in others.  His absence will leave a significant void in Rochester and the Dodge County Area.  Rest easy my friend, we will miss you until we see you again!  Troy Stafford   

Sorry for your loss of a loved one.


Robert & Sharyn

To the family of Kraig,


 


My deepest sympathy to you on the passing of Kraig. He had so many accomplishments and was always excited for more to come. "Dusty" left this world way too soon. Honored to have worked with him personally and professionally. He will be truly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. 

Thoughts and Prayers to Kraig's family and the whole Durst Family.  


 


 


 


 


 


Julie Beth