Idell Schoenberg Kraus

Idell Emilie Leonie (Schoenberg) Kraus, 93, was born on July 8, 1931 in Carmine, Texas to Will and Ida (Kieke) Schoenberg. She was baptized at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine on May 8, 1932, and later confirmed on June 24, 1945, also in Carmine. Her confirmation verse was Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" She graduated from Round Top-Carmine High School in 1948, where she was the class Valedictorian. After high school, Idell attended Blinn College. She married E.W. "Pete" Kraus at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Carmine on August 30, 1952. To this union they were blessed with two children. During the first years of their marriage, they resided in Houston where Idell worked in the insurance business. After relocating to Dime Box followed by Giddings, along with being a homemaker, she worked for many years with her husband in their feed and fertilizer businesses. Later, she again worked in the insurance business with Nitsche and Ferguson. When she wasn't working you could find Idell volunteering with the Ladies Aid, working at the Rejuvenation Thrift Shop, and teaching Women's Bible studies and Sunday School. In her free time Idell enjoyed sewing, quilting, gardening, cooking, and playing bingo. She also enjoyed gambling trips to Las Vegas and Louisiana, and trips to see her grandchildren play baseball, lacrosse and volleyball. Country Music Mondays, driving through the countryside in Lee County, and most importantly spending time with her family and friends were among her favorite things to do.
Idell peacefully passed away the morning of Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Bec's Blessings in Giddings.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, E.W. "Pete" Kraus; parents, Will and Ida Schoenberg; and three sisters, Mabel and husband Nolan Schmidt, Pearlie and husband Elvis Jaster, and Janette and husband Ruben Schmidt.
Idell is survived by her two children, Joy and husband Ken Hargett of Manvel, and Holly and husband Walter Stewart of Georgetown; six grandchildren, Katie Hargett and husband Ricky Warren of Katy, Alex Hargett and wife Michelle of Houston, Andy Hargett of Houston, Brennan Stewart and wife Caroline of Georgetown, Austin Stewart of Denver, and Kendall Stewart of Houston; six great grandchildren, Dakota Hauff of Houston, Avery Warren of Katy, Diana Hargett of Houston, Emmet Hargett of Houston, Vivian Stewart of Georgetown, and Scout Stewart of Georgetown; one sister, Willie Mae Lueckemeyer of Brenham, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the charity of one's choice.
A private graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Scott Eckermann officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present on Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.