John "Jack" Krause, 85, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Feb. 15, 2010, at his winter home in Florida.
He was born on Aug. 25, 1924, in Bark River, son of Ernest Sr. and Edna Krause. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1942.
Jack was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1943 and deployed to several foreign countries including Africa, Rhineland, Italy, France and Germany. He fought in battles at Anzio, Abbey of Cassino and Rapido River. He was discharged in 1945. He was a true decorated World War II war hero and known for his patriotism. Medals he earned include the Purple Heart, Bronze and Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Europe-Africa East Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry 1st Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Honorable Service Pine, Expert Badge and Rifle Bar, Marksman Badge and Pistol Bar. Jack was a member of the Michigan National Guard in Kingsford from 1950 until he retired with the ranking of major in 1968.
Jack married Elaine Dahl in Bark River on May 14, 1947, at Salem Lutheran Church.
Ernest Krause Sr. opened Krause's Lumber in 1921. Jack was in partnership with his dad until he purchased the business from him in 1964. The business was sold to Jack's son, Dan, in 1991.
He was a loving and thoughtful husband and father. Jack enjoyed golfing, playing cards, bowling, and was an avid reader. He was well known as an expert handyman.
He was honored in 2009 at a 65th reunion of his battalion, sponsored by the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation where he met Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter of 1976, DAV Chapter 24, 36th Division Association, Reserve Officers Association and 141st Infantry Association. Jack was also involved in the Bark River Lions Club (40 years), 50-year member of the American Legion Post 438, Wisconsin Retail Lumberman's Association, recipient of the Melvin Jones Lions Community Service Award in 2008 and a member of the Highland Golf Course. Jack was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Elaine; son, Dan of Bark River; daughters, Betty Lu of Ocean Park, Wash., and Julie (Jim) Williams of Superior, Wis.; grandsons, Scott and Shawn Williams of Superior, Wis.; sister, Maurine of Escanaba; sister-in-law, Geraldine Krause of Round Lake; brother-in-law, Roy (Shirley) Dahl; and several nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Luanne; brother, Ernest Jr. "Butch"; and godson, Michael Krause.
Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or the Bark River-Harris Scholarship Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River. The Rheume-Knauf American Legion Post 438 of Bark River will conduct military rites at 6 p.m. The funeral service celebrating the life of Jack Krause will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Salem Lutheran Church in Bark River.
Burial will be in the Bark River Cemetery. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Krause family.
