Robert G. Krause

Robert G. Krause was taken to heaven on December 24, 2025. He was born August 8, 1932, in La Crosse to George and Minnie (Nottingham) Krause. He was baptized September 11, 1932, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church.

I attended grade school at First Lutheran Lutheran School K-8 and was confirmed April 14, 1946. I graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1950 and UW-La Crosse in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. 

Like a lot of people during the Great Depression we did not have much, but dad was able to buy a “modest house” a block from the railroad tracks and the Mississippi River. It was not a log cabin. We did have board floors. The location was great for a young adventurous boy and the Mississippi River became my second home. I hunted and fished from Dresback Dam to Lansing Iowa. The beginning of a life time of fun. 

I always felt close to my brother and sisters: Keith (Patty) Krause, Anita Edward) Waterbury and Dorothy (Elmo) Balfany even when we lived miles apart. 

Fast pitch softball was big in Lacrosse and my hands grew strong catching the ball bare handed during recess. I went on to play fast pitch and baseball for many years. I had a paper route at 12 and always a part or full time job through college. 

My first job as a chemist was with The Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton. I continued my love of hunting, fishing and fast pitch softball. I joined a fun group of young adults, sang in a church choir and joined the Appleton McDowell Male Chorus. Those were fun years and I met lots of nice people, but it was time to move on.

I was offered a job with the Rhinelander Paper Co. (St. Regis) as a research chemist. My first day was November 28, 1960, where I met some of the nicest people and who became my lifelong friends. I worked nearly 37 years for the company and loved my work and the many people I worked with along the way. I continued my love of hunting and fishing especially with my partner Ray Novak. I joined Zion Ev. Lutheran church, sang in the choir, was a member of the church council and served in many different capacities through over 50 years. I joined the Rhinelander Male Chorus and fast pitch softball in the muni league.

I was not married. Then God answered my prayers and there she was. Carol Jean Smith accepted a call to teach first grade at Zion school. We started to date soon after that and on June 8, 1963, we were married. 

Together we had six children: Katherine (Jeff) Kroh, Elizabeth Krause, who the Lord called to Himself much too soon, Mary (Ken) Nofftz, Lisa (Steve) Alsteen, Diane (Eric) Keller and David (Davina) Krause.

I have many fond memories of our family growing up: daily devotions, talks around the supper table, activities at Zion, their paper route, the Dairy Queen years, sports, our summer vacations with eight in a pop up tent camper, California, New York, Florida…

One by one they were called away: work, college, marriage, and then they were gone. We looked forward to their visits with our loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Lydia, Danika, Eliana, Haley and Samara Kroh: Devyn (Robbie) and Jacob Aschenbrenner, Jesse (Michaela) Nofftz, Morgan (Mitch) Beckendorf, Jarett (Taylor) Nofftz and Seth Nofftz; Tanner (Danielle) Alsteen and Tayler Alsteen, Alivia (Devon) Moon. My great-grandchildren are Jasper Aschenbrenner, Freya Danielson, Zaia Kroh, Landon and Liam Beckendorf, Haze Alsteen, and Alora Carol Jean Moon. 

Thank you, Carol, whom I have now joined in heaven. You were an amazing, loving wife. Words cannot express my love for you. 

To all of you: “May the good Lord bless and keep you whether near or far away. May the good Lord bless and keep you till we meet again” 

Love. Grandpa, Robert Krause

A visitation was held on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with funeral services following at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Reverend Karl Schultz officiated. Entombment followed in the Northland Garden Mausoleum. A memorial for the Zion Evangelical Lutheran School is being established in Bob’s name, and any gifts may be directed to his family. You may also leave your private condolences for the Krause family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is serving the Krause family.