Gerald KRAUSS

1918 - 2018

KRAUSS, Gerald Martin "Gary" Springfield native Gerald (Gary) Martin Krauss, born July 22,1918, died October 24, 2018. He was the son of Anna Reich Krauss (formerly of Urbana) and David Krauss, residents of Springfield. Gerald had an exceptionally happy marriage of almost 62 years to the love of his life, Bonita (Bonnie) Krauss (nee Strauss) who pre-deceased him in 2004. Gerald was a 1936 graduate of Springfield High School and of the Summer Navel School of Culver Military Academy. He entered Ohio State University after High School. In1942 he was drafted to serve in the 8th Army Air Corps. He was stationed in Chicago where he trained as a Norden bombsite and instrument panel expert. It was also in Chicago where he met his future wife, Bonita. Both said "It was love at first sight" and after a brief courtship they married in March of 1943. Six months later He and his unit were transferred to Thedford, England where he spent the rest of the war and achieved the rank of sergeant. Gerald was always proud of his service experience; it was an important and formative part of his life. After the war ended he returned to Springfield in December 1946 to work and raise a family. He joined and later became the owner-manager of the venerable Hofman-Green Jewelers for the next 37 years. He earned the prestigious title "Registered Jeweler" with the American Gem Society. Gerald and his wife had a life long interest in education, which lead to the establishment of the Krauss Family Scholarship Fund at Wittenberg University. During his lifetime he was honored for being active in the Springfield Symphony Foundation, and as an early supporter of the Springfield Arts Center. Gerald and his wife joined with symphony conductor Jackson Wiley in the initial planning of the first Springfield Summer Arts Program. A world traveler, Gerald and his wife visited forty-two countries on four continents together. After retirement the couple divided their residency between Springfield and West Palm Beach, Florida. Gerald was an avid tennis player until his late 80's. In 2008 Gerald returned to Springfield and moved into Oakwood Village where he enjoyed his family and the fellowship of many other residents. Gerald was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Springfield Rotary Club and a lifelong member of Temple Sholom where he served on the board. He was accepted into The Kissel Masonic lodge in 1939 and he maintained his membership his entire life. The only thing he loved more than travel, tennis or good chocolate was his wife and his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted children: David, Richard and Philip, their three spouses, Amy, Anna, and Lori, and his four grandchildren, Benjamin, Rebekah, Leah and David. Services will be held at graveside, Ferncliff Cemetary 11:30 AM, Monday October 29th. The family can be visited by friends at Temple Sholom immediately following internment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Sholom, a charity of choice, or the Krauss Family Scholarship at Wittenberg University.