Alfred "Jr." Krause

Alfred "Jr." Krause, 81, Oconto Falls, died suddenly Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012, at home. He was born Feb. 9, 1930, on the family farm in rural Oconto Falls, to Alfred and Elinor (Gilbertson) Krause Sr. Jr. grew up on the family farm and attended Oconto Falls Public Schools, graduating from high school with the class of 1948.

On Aug. 26, 1950, he married Joan Knudson at the Abrams United Methodist Church. Following their marriage, the couple eventually took over the family farm which they operated for most of their lives and where they raised their five children. Jr. has served on the Town of Oconto Falls Board of Supervisors for over 40 years and was serving his 18th year as chairman at the time of his death. As part of his long association with the Town of Oconto Falls, Jr. was a charter member of the Oconto Falls Ambulance Service and was currently serving his 25th year as its president. Also as part of his town duties, Jr. could be seen plowing snow, mowing roadsides and issuing permits as fire warden over the years. In 1998, Jr. and Joan built a retirement home near the homestead farm and they continued their family tradition of Sunday night get-togethers. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls where he once served on the church council and ushered. Jr. will be fondly remembered for caring for his large garden and making sauerkraut, popcorn balls, cherry-dill pickles and strawberry jam.

Survivors are his five devoted children, Kris (Ken) Kobs; Karla Krause; Kerry (Debbie) Krause; Karen (Steve) Herms; Koreen (Mike) Peterson, all of Oconto Falls; ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren: Kathryn Kobs and son, Tyler; Kim (Stacey) Steers and their children, Gunner, Ella and Addison; Kristy (Mike) Gorman and their children, Bridgett, Bailee and Brylee; Joe and Jeff Bitters; Brady and Nathan Stymiest; Lindsey (fiancé Matt Hartin) and Jared Peterson; Zach (Jessica Bohm) Herms and sons, Braeden and Brett; a very special aunt, June Braun, Oconto Falls; two nieces, Kandi (Mike) Wendt, Bayview and Kelly (Tom) Delzer, Pulaski; one nephew, Scott (Joanne) Schroeder, Oconto Falls; his most recent constant companions, Mabel the cat and Sparky the dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Joan on Jan. 29, 2010; and one sister, Valerie Schroeder.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls (920-848-2222 or visit: www.jonesfuneral.com). Visitation will continue after 9 a,m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Church in Oconto Falls, until the time of service. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a,m, Saturday at the church with Pastor Bill Kamke officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Oconto Falls.