Paul M. Krapf

Paul M. Krapf, 91, of Gardiner, Montana, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019. An announcement of a memorial will be made when determined.Paul was born in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania to Frank and Hazel (Strunk) Krapf. He would go on to enlist in the Navy, with plans to become a pilot. Upon his discharge he returned to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. He was united in marriage to Fonda Welsh and they started their family that would grow to six children. A career in artistic fields would have to wait as Paul worked various engineering and draftsman positions in the Pittsburgh area and then at NASA in Cleveland, OH. All the while he continued his artistic pursuits, selling original paintings and sculpture. Ultimately, he and Fonda would relocate to Montana in 1981 to pursue his artistic talents on a professional level. Krapf Images was founded with Paul creating and Fonda managing the business that carried the slogan, "Being there."He designed and built the home he and Fonda would share until her death in 2006. He lived his dreams; one of being a professional artist and the other, of becoming a pilot. He enjoyed flying his ultra-light aircraft throughout the Paradise Valley, a pursuit that he enjoyed up until just three years ago. Paul was a very spiritual man and enjoyed the entire area, taking in the natural wonders, photographing and painting images of the scenery and wildlife. He enjoyed travel throughout the West as well as going to Alaska, Africa and Europe.Paul was gregarious and generous of spirit. He loved to visit and to teach and share his talents with others. He was self-taught in many activities including his computer and graphic software. He remained interested throughout his life; in people, their experiences and intellectually as well. He was a very intelligent man who understood complexities better than most and could fix or find a solution to just about anything. He was a man of unbounded faith who inspired his family and friends to fearlessly adventure and learn throughout lifes journey.Paul loved his children, grand and great-grandchildren dearly. We find comfort in knowing that he LIVED his life on his terms. Peace be with you Paul. As loving arms received us into this world, so loving arms will receive us into the next.Paul is survived by his children: son, David Krapf, and his children, Denise (Brian) Fireng (their children, Abigail and Ava,) Erin (Kyle) Gross (their children, Harper and Frankie,) and Aaron Krapf; son, Daniel Krapf; daughter, Deborah (Earl) Inks, and their children, Joshua (Laura) Inks, (their children, Rosemary, Elizabeth, Katherine and Peter,) Rachel (David) Bridenstine, (their children, Elijah, Gideon and Josiah,) and Christina Inks; son, Stephen, who predeceased Paul, and daughter-in-law, Donna Krapf and their children, Chase (Kirby) Krapf (their children, Evelyn and Mac,) Nathaniel (Alicia) Krapf, and Samuel Krapf; son, Jonathan (Janet) Krapf and their children, Juliet (Jason) Ulbricht and Jillian Krapf; daughter, Dorcas (Tom) Patton and their children, Marty and Kate Patton.Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Hazel; his son, Stephen; his sister, Virginia; and his darling wife, Fonda.