Juergen Krause

He lived a beautiful life!
Juergen was born in Voorburg, Den Haag, Holland on 21 June 1939 of German parents. Our mother and father lived in Holland for many years. Our father was employed at the German Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. The breakout of the Second World War effected our Family greatly. By 1944 my father and mother had three sons: Juergen, Falk and me, Michael. After D-day and the Allied drive to the Rhine River, the lower part of Holland became a battlefield. Then all German citizens were ordered to be evacuated from Holland within 24 hours. With Allied mastery of the skies, our evacuation by train was hazardous. My mother wanted to reach her home town in southern Germany. Our mother's six week journey with the three of us to care for on trains that were under constant air attack was a survival journey. My brother Juergen was in charge of me – Michael - a two year old, fortunately potty trained! It was Juergen's task to make sure I did. Since the German Embassy was closing my father who was a German Wehrmacht reservist was sent to the Russian front. On the Eastern Front, the 1944 winter was the coldest on record for over 100 years. It was brutal. Refugees were streaming to the west. It is a miracle that our father survived. For reference, out of 12 male members of my parents family, only three males survived.
My mother searched for my Father after VE day – 7 May 1945. It took almost a year before she found him in an American POW camp by the Rhine River. As last, when we were reunited with our Father our Mother and Father -- at last together -- my mother lamented to my him: "we have lost everything." Our father embracing and hugging all of us said: "Nein mein Schatzel, we have every thing and we are going to America!"
And so it was. We arrived by boat stepping ashore at Pier 43 New York, in time to celebrate the fourth of July 1953. Our Aunt and Uncle sponsored us, paid for passage, and got my father a job as a house painter. Since our father's hobby was painting he knew how to mix colors. Juergen went immediately into high school. He previously studied at the German Gymnasium, where he learned English. In America, he graduated from Ralph J. Osgood High School in Kings Park, Long Island, in 1956. He was a brilliant student. I envied him. He never seemed to do homework at home, as I had too! He always did it at school. Juergen also organized soccer and baseball in our neighborhood. His early command of the English language, math and other subjects enabled him to graduate with high honors. Juergen was accepted at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.. He studied history and excelled at soccer. Juergen graduated with highest honors in 1960. Unfortunately, our father was not able to see his eldest son Juergen graduate, as he had wished. Our father died in 1958. Before his father's death our mother, Juergen, Falk and Michael became American Citizens. Jerry also joined the N.Y. National Guard and served in an Army unit stationed at Ft. Story and Fort Eustis, Virginia. This was a real hardship tour: Fort Story is located on the confluence of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Virginia Beach is located on the Atlantic side as well. He really enjoyed!
Jerry loved Long Island Sound. He and our mother built a house overlooking the Nissequogue River. Together we brothers learned to sail: Initially on a 19' Lightening Class day sail boat with a centerboard. He then invested in a Dutch built steel hull 29' sailboat. It had a keel and was anchored in the Nissequogue River at the confluence of Long Island Sound, located by Smithtown Beach. This became his summer "geta-away" where he was known as one of the first settlers at Gilligan's Island: The guy with the long red hair!
Jerry was hired as an associated manager for human resources at Kings Park State Hospital. This assignment was a stepping stone to become Vice President for Human Resources at Stony Brooke University and Medical Center. Juergen was well regarded by the senior leadership. As a result, he received a challenging assignment directly from the University President: "Jerry, I want you and a colleague to straighten out the Brooklyn Medical Center." Jerry was confirmed as one of four managers by the New York Governor. It took two years, but they did. He received full credit. Afterward, he was selected to become the President of the Long Island Veterans Home. Back at Stony Brook he organized sports teams that benefited all employees. His early playing of hockey on local ponds continued well into his mid - older years where he played in the early hours at Long Island Arena. He had an astounding memory of baseball lineups in the world series and his beloved German "Fussball" team. When the German team won the 2014 World Cup, Jerry knew all the players and the coach. Jerry could give you the line-up of the German National Team and the standing of all German Team standings to this day.
As the senior hiring authority at Stony Brook University, he benefited many people, earning life-time friends. After over 50 years of service to the State of New York, Jerry retired. He continued his avocation of helping people. Many persons benefited from his generosity. He opened his home to those who really needed a helping hand in combatting addiction. He saved many persons. Till Jerry's last days, one person stands out as an example: Sean Lyons regarded Jerry as his father commenting: "Jerry saved my life. He helped me to conquer my addiction. I will all ways love him for his gentle – yet firm – leadership. I feel totally indebted to him."
So my dear brother Juergen: "May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and give you peace". Amen.
A Beautiful Life, well lived.
A Commemoration Service for Jerry, will take place towards the end of July.
Please email Michael Krause for more information: mkraues@secure-chain.com