Siegfried Joseph Krahforst Obituary

PETERSBURGH, NY - Siegfried Joseph Krahforst, 94, died peacefully at his home in Petersburgh, NY, on January 27th, 2026, surrounded by family.

Siegfried was born April 13, 1931, in Cologne, Germany. He left Germany and came to America in 1955 and became an American citizen. He served in the US Army during the Korean War, 1955-1956, and was stationed in Colorado. After his military duty he coaxed his bride-to-be, Marianna Patt, whom he courted in Germany, to come over and be his wife. They were married in 1956 and took residence in New Jersey.

Siegfried became an electrician and worked for Vanderbeck Electric. Siegfried was very active in community service all his life. While in NJ, he was a member of the Oakland Elks, joined the Chamber of Commerce where he eventually served as president and became an honorary life member. While raising a young family with four children, He and Marianna decided to explore other directions in their life and came to Petersburgh in 1968, buying the ‘Petersburg General Store’ from Vern and Irene O’Dell. The family operated the general store until 1986 when it was closed. Siegfried started his own electrical business- Zeeg’s Electric- while still operating the store working many evenings to support his family. At the age of 80, he retired from his electrical business.

In 1969, he joined the Petersburgh Fire Department and retired from it in 2023, and being recognized for his service became an Honorary Lifelong member. He was President and treasurer of the Petersburgh Civic Council which supported the Memorial Hall, now the Petersburgh Veterans Memorial Civic Center. Siegfried also served as Town Justice for 29 years in Petersburgh. After retiring from Town Justice, he served two terms as Supervisor of Petersburgh from January 2012 to December 2015.

Siegfried joined the VFW in Bennington and later became president in that organization. He was a member of the Bennington Club and went on to become its president also. He was assistant Senior Patrol Leader for the local chapter of the Boy Scouts.

Friends and family often remember him for his sometimes spirited and steadfastness in opinion on many subjects and issues. There were many such discussions in the general store. People may not have always agreed with him, but they came to respect him for his convictions. He also was a person that always was willing to help someone, (often with food or other services).

Siegfried is survived by his beloved wife, Marianna, his daughters Anna Krahforst-Lang, Susanna Jones and son-in-law John, and sons Christian and Benedikt. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Rachel, Nicolle, Theresa, Andrea, Andrew, Grace, Fionn, Christina, Cecilia and Sebastian. Siegfried is also survived by three great grandchildren, Mayah, Gabriel, Mikhael, Aidan and Dylan. He also leaves other family members and friends who will sadly miss him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at the Lady of the Snow Church, 31 Owen Road, Grafton, NY on Thursday, February 5th at 12:00 noon. Father Tom Morrette will be officiating. A Reception will follow at the Petersburgh Veteran’s Memorial Community Center. All are invited to attend.

Siegfried will be buried in the spring with US Army military honors in Meadowlawn Cemetery in Petersburgh.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Petersburgh Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 190, Petersburgh, NY 12138.

Arrangements are by the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home in Petersburgh. Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com.