Walter F. Kraus, age 92, of rural Elkhart Lake, passed away, Sunday, August 14, 2016 at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born on April 24, 1924 in St. Cloud, son of the late John & Pauline (Stephanie) Kraus.
On November 20, 1951 he married Ruth Wiehr at St. George Catholic Church, Elkhart Lake. Ruth preceded him in death on March 2, 2010.
Farming was his pride and joy, farming his entire life, retiring in 1989. Walter enjoyed woodworking, especially making birdhouses, working in his vegetable garden and spending time with his family.
Survivors include two children; Michael (Karen) Kraus, Katherine Kraus and four grandchildren; Amanda Kraus, Brandon Kraus, Jason Walber and Amy Walber. He is further survived by one great granddaughter, Summer, three sisters-in-law, Ann Kraus, Janet Kraus, Marian Wiehr, one brother-in-law, Chuck Wiehr, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by three brothers; Melvin (Mutzie) Kraus, Jerome Kraus, Eugene Kraus and two sisters; Sydonia (Larry) Koenig and Raymonda (Harry) Stuck.
The funeral Mass for Walter will be celebrated at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 19, 2016 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (94 S. Lincoln St., Elkhart Lake) with the Father Dennis VanBeek officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Family and friends may call at the church on Friday from 12:00 noon until 1:45 pm when brief family rites will be held.
Walter's family would like to extend their thanks to Compassus Hospice, Embrace Home Health and Marsho Medical for the care and compassion shown to him.