Kragt named grand marshal

RITZVILLE – A local chiropractor has been selected Ritzville Community Parade grand marshal.

Dr. Warren Kragt, 60, will be the honored guest at the parade this weekend.

"I want to thank the community for choosing us to be Grand Marshals, Kragt said Friday.

A 35-year resident of Ritzville, he and Joleen, his wife of 37 years, came to Ritzville in 1986

In addition to his chiropractic practice, Dr. Kragt has been very active in the community.

He was on the Chamber of Commerce board from 1988 to 1994 and has a lifetime membership. He has held every leadership position in the Ritzville Lions Club, some more than once.

He is a recipient of the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

He served 7 years on the School Board and was on the board of various churches, where he and his family have worshipped.

Kragt has also served as an auctioneer for the annual Wheat Land Communities Fair Wampum benefit, and other local charity and non-profit events.

When it comes to sports, Kragt has been a member of the Ritzville Golf Association and won the city championship 18 times, with a handicap of +1.

He was also a little league umpire for several seasons.

In terms of hobbies, he is an accomplished woodworker, making small furniture for grandchildren, and exhibiting his work at the Wheat Land Communities Fair. One notable exhibit was a "ginormous shop cabinet", which was featured in Popular Woodworking magazine.

A model railroad enthusiast, he is a collector of N scale electric trains. Asked how many train cars he has in his collection, Kragt smiled and said "more than I should have."

Warren has faced more than his share of adversity in recent years as well.

First he was diagnosed with lung cancer, even though he has never smoked. Despite a grim prognosis he has outlived expectations.

The Kragt home was heavily damaged by fire in January 2019. The home has been restored, but Kragt said "I don't recommend anyone have a house fire."

Then, last October, a fall in his home rendered him unable to see using his one good eye. The other eye was lost in a childhood accident.

While the blindness is thought to be temporary, recovery has been slow despite several surgeries; full restoration of his vision is not expected.

Asked what advice he would give to others facing similar challenges he said "keep fighting."

Joleen added, "Yes, fight the fight. That's what he always says."

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4.

When the grand marshal drives by, he won't be able to see the crowd lining the sidewalks, so clap your hands and cheer.

By making noise Warren will know you are there, showing your appreciation for his contributions to the community.

Warren and Joleen have 3 grown children. John (Kelly) a Ritzville Attorney, Jacob (Mallory) an East Wenatchee Chiropractor, and Jenna (Kendall) Harper, a high school biology teacher in East Memphis, Tennessee. They have 10 grandchildren.

"It's an honor to be chosen grand arshal and I appreciate the people of Ritzville who have supported us for 35 years" Kragt said.