Harriet Elaine Kraay, 93, of Prior Lake died Friday, May 4, 2018, at New Perspective Senior Living.

She was born March 23, 1925, in Albert Lea, the daughter of Wilbur and Myrtle (Wangen) Medd. Harriet grew up in Hollandale, graduated from Albert Lea High School and then attended Mankato State University for one year. She transferred to Fairview Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with a diploma in nursing in September 1946. On July 19, 1946, she married Ralph Kraay at Hollandale Reformed Church. In 1956 they moved to Owatonna, residing there until 2001, when she moved to Prior Lake.

Harriet was all about grace and forgiveness; a strong woman of faith. She loved Trinity Lutheran Church and cherished her circle and Bible study group. She was a strong supporter of Educación Popular En Salud Action for Health in the Americas and Common Hope. She was well-known around her neighborhoods for the beautiful gardens she created. She had a gift of hospitality, lovingly entertaining her family, relatives and friends. She was also a talented seamstress and baker. Everyone loved her chocolate chip cookies and caramel rolls. She will be missed by so many people whose lives she has touched with her kindness, generosity and love.

She is survived by her daughters Diane (and Donald) Stutesman of Minneapolis, Marcia (and Wayne) Svenby of Prior Lake, Carol (and Roy) Kraft of Crosslake, Rebecca Treinen of New Brighton and Paula (and Mark) Finholt of Lakeville; grandchildren Andrew (and Mary) Stutesman, Michelle Stutesman, Ryan (and Katie) Svenby, Matthew (and Lindsay) Svenby, Christina (and Joshua) Kraft, Erin (and Antonio Mazariegos) Treinen, Megan Treinen, Nathan (and Katy) Gainey and Patrick (and Victoria) Gainey; great-grandchildren Sofia and Isaac Stutesman, James and Jack Svenby, Vivian and Remi Svenby, Michaela and Alexa Kraft, Isabella Mazariegos Treinen and Olivia Vaske-Gainey; brother, Robert Medd, of Clear Lake, Iowa; brother-in-law, Robert (Till) Kraay, of Owatonna; sisters-in-law Sue Veldman and Darlene Kraay; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Ralph Kraay; infant son, Paul Scott Kraay; infant great-grandson, Joshua Andrew Kraft; and brother, Charles Medd.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Michaelson Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. Todd Buegler officiating. Memorials are preferred to the EPES scholarship set up in Harriet’s name, Alzheimer’s Research at Mayo Clinic, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice or to the donor’s choice.