Michael J. Kraus of Needham, formerly of Brookline, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke a week earlier. Michael (Misa) was born in Nachod, Czechoslovakia to Karel and Lotte (Goldschmidt) Kraus on June 28, 1930. Although he lost both parents in the Holocaust, he survived the concentration camps until being liberated in May 1945. After the war, while still a teenager, Michael recorded his World War II experiences. This illustrated Diary was translated into several languages for the benefit of future generations around the world; the English publication is titled Drawing the Holocaust. Despite these difficult experiences Michael created a life full of love, family, friendship, hard work, humor, adventure and travel. In 1948 Michael made his way to Canada, finished his high-school education, and went on to study architecture at McGill University and later at Columbia University. While practicing architecture in Geneva, Switzerland he met his wife, Ilana, and they moved to the United States, where he enjoyed a long career at Stubbins and Associates (later Jacobs), working until he was 84. Michael was known for his subtle, dry humor; mischievous smile; kindness; and love of travel. He was a perfectionist who took great pleasure in entertaining family and friends, and brought cheer and laughter to many family celebrations by demonstrating his ability to stand on his head. Michael had many friends, family members, and professional colleagues who will miss him dearly. He leaves behind Ilana, his beloved wife of 55 years; daughter Dana Kraus and husband Tom Forster and children Ethan and Emma of Vermont; and daughter Tamara Kraus and husband Dan Ovadya and children Dahlia and Mira of California. He instilled in all of them a love of the outdoors, especially skiing and hiking. A celebration of Michaels life will take place at North Hill, 865 Central Avenue, Needham on Sunday, December 23 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michaels name may be made to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Facing History and Ourselves, National Public Radio, or a charity of your choice.

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Published by The Brookline Tab from Dec. 19, 2018 to Jan. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kraus

6 Entries

Laurie Burke

August 20, 2024

I worked for Michael at Hugh Stubbins & Associates. I was just an office assistant, but he treated me as a friend, as an associate! I remember fondly the few times we shared sandwich lunches in the riverside park in Cambridge. He was a wonderful mentor and friend who treated me as an equal. He had a wry sense of humor and a quiet sweet demeanor. God bless you and your family always.

Rebecca Goldman

June 26, 2019

Mr. Kraus had a wonderful wit, an infectious smile, and was a shining example of how one can overcome the unspeakable, building a rich life, career, and thriving family. I knew him when I was a teenager, and in my twenties I called to wish him a happy New Year, and said, sorry I did not give him a greeting card. He retorted, "oh no need for a card, I mean, save a tree." May his memory be for a blessing.

Mark Newton

January 14, 2019

I am so sorry to hear this news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael at The Stubbins Associates. I was 22 when I emigrated to the United States from England and landed in Boston. I remember Michael being very giving of his time and willingness to share his experiences. I will for always consider him a friend and will always be grateful for the role that he played in my career.

Love and prayers.
Mark Newton

Jude Stevenson

December 21, 2018

So sorry to hear of your loss, Tamara. Sending love.

Lynne DM

December 18, 2018

Sending love and consoling prayers to Ilana, Dana, Tamara and their families, with grateful fond memories of Michael kindly letting the pack of us as teens and into our twenties descend on his kitchen and pantry like a flock of locusts, and use his lovely home as our comfy crash pad. May this special man's memory be as a blessing.

Marie Nettel Cherkas

December 18, 2018

We are so sorry to hear about Michael passing away. He was an amazing man, who was very kind and we enjoyed listening to his stories about our family history, and his, when we got together. Our condolences to his family. Michael will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Love from the Nettel family.
Marie Nettel Cherkas and Gord Cherkas

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