Beth Ann Arras

Beth Ann Arras (nee Tews, formerly Kriese) passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023.
Born in New London, Wisconsin on March 12, 1947 to Walter and Gertrude (nee Schley) Tews. Beth attended University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and Fox Valley Technical College majoring in business and accounting.
On September 7, 1968 she married Thomas G. Kriese at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Together they raised their two children, Brett and Jill, with many memorable years of golfing, camping, downhill skiing, boating, and traveling. Tom and Beth purchased and operated Tews Inc. (Buick, Jeep, Oldsmobile and Chevrolet auto dealership) from 1977 to 1987. During the New London years, Beth was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Jaycees, bridge clubs, and New London Country Club. The Kriese family moved to Appleton in 1987, where Beth was employed by Guardian Life Insurance Company when Tom suddenly went to heaven August 18, 1990.
Beth met Thomas W. Arras through Brett attending Martin Luther College. They were married October 17, 1993 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Appleton. This moved Beth to the Grand Rapids, MI area where she became a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Grand Valley State University club. She enjoyed many years of boating on Lake Michigan, downhill skiing and weekends on Mackinac Island with family and friends. Beth retired from Grand Valley State University in May, 2013 and moved to Slinger, WI. When Tom passed away unexpectedly June 18, 2017 due to a brain tumor, Beth moved to Hartford, WI as she wanted to stay close to her supportive Peace Lutheran Church family and drivable minutes to Brett and Jill plus her grandchildren's activities. In the past several years, Beth enjoyed traveling through the United States and Canada.
Beth is survived by Brett (Tamara) Kriese, Jill Kriese, grandchildren Hans and Eva, and dear "sister" Nancy Tews along with special nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by her in-laws Carlton and Janet Kriese and Professor William and Florence Arras.
Memorial Service honoring Beth will be held Friday, November 3, 2023 at 2:45 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 1001 Center Street, Hartford, Wisconsin with Rev. Aaron Steinbrenner officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Future inurnment at Oakwood Cemetery, Weyauwega, WI.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Peace Lutheran Church and Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School.