Michael R. Krauss, 58, formerly of Monroe, passed on unexpectedly at his home in Greenfield, Wisconsin on April 25, 2018. He had been dealing with progressive neurological and other medical issues since 2002.
Born October 28, 1959 in Monroe to Ralph G. and Evelyn (Schmerse) Krauss, Michael was confirmed at the United Methodist Church of Monroe (formerly Immanuel E.U.B. Church) and graduated from Monroe High School in 1977. During his school years, he was active in church choir, 4-H, high school chorus, and the Milton (WI) Choral Union. In his senior year, he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Charlie Brown in the Monroe Theatre Guild's production of the musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Following high school, he attended and graduated from Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He worked as a broadcaster in both radio and television in several small Midwestern markets, including being the state capitol and political reporter in Pierre, South Dakota, a job he thoroughly enjoyed and would shape his interest in and opinions about government the rest of his life.
Mike returned to Monroe for a time, during which he was involved as a volunteer for Special Olympics, and was a member of the United Methodist Church's first handbell choir. He later moved to Oshkosh, working primarily for MacGregor Sand-Knit in Fond du Lac while honing business and computer technician skills, for which he had a strong natural aptitude.
His real niche and passion was working in non-profits that provided services for older adults. He eventually moved to Madison to work for Over Fifty Employment Services (now replaced by another program), teaching computer classes and other work skills to older adults and connecting them with employment opportunities. While in Madison, he was also an active member of the Asbury Choir of Asbury United Methodist Church. In 2006 he relocated to Milwaukee to work for Interfaith Older Adult Programs, where he managed a home health care department until forced to retire in 2016 due to health concerns.
Mike was very musical, appreciated good music, and had a wonderful tenor voice, both as a soloist and a choir member. He was an excellent cook, always experimenting with new dishes and trying out the latest cooking gadget, and enjoyed travel and spending time at his grandparents' cottage on Lake Wisconsin. Fiercely independent and strong-willed, a quality that got him through any challenge, including those of his health, Mike was always devoted to his work and dedicated to doing the right thing for his clients and colleagues. He will also be remembered for his witty and somewhat sarcastic sense of humor.
He is survived and sorely missed by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn; his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah Krauss Smith and Gregory J. Smith; his sister, Linda Moser, all of Monroe; three nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Herman and Emma F. Krauss, immigrants from Germany and Switzerland, respectively; and Chester and Alvina Schmerse, as well as two uncles, an aunt, two cousins, and his beloved Golden Retriever, Cassie.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 11 am at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe, with the Rev. Dave McRoberts, retired senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, officiating. There will be a visitation at 10 am until time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in Michael's name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com
Born October 28, 1959 in Monroe to Ralph G. and Evelyn (Schmerse) Krauss, Michael was confirmed at the United Methodist Church of Monroe (formerly Immanuel E.U.B. Church) and graduated from Monroe High School in 1977. During his school years, he was active in church choir, 4-H, high school chorus, and the Milton (WI) Choral Union. In his senior year, he received rave reviews for his portrayal of Charlie Brown in the Monroe Theatre Guild's production of the musical, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
Following high school, he attended and graduated from Brown Institute of Broadcasting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He worked as a broadcaster in both radio and television in several small Midwestern markets, including being the state capitol and political reporter in Pierre, South Dakota, a job he thoroughly enjoyed and would shape his interest in and opinions about government the rest of his life.
Mike returned to Monroe for a time, during which he was involved as a volunteer for Special Olympics, and was a member of the United Methodist Church's first handbell choir. He later moved to Oshkosh, working primarily for MacGregor Sand-Knit in Fond du Lac while honing business and computer technician skills, for which he had a strong natural aptitude.
His real niche and passion was working in non-profits that provided services for older adults. He eventually moved to Madison to work for Over Fifty Employment Services (now replaced by another program), teaching computer classes and other work skills to older adults and connecting them with employment opportunities. While in Madison, he was also an active member of the Asbury Choir of Asbury United Methodist Church. In 2006 he relocated to Milwaukee to work for Interfaith Older Adult Programs, where he managed a home health care department until forced to retire in 2016 due to health concerns.
Mike was very musical, appreciated good music, and had a wonderful tenor voice, both as a soloist and a choir member. He was an excellent cook, always experimenting with new dishes and trying out the latest cooking gadget, and enjoyed travel and spending time at his grandparents' cottage on Lake Wisconsin. Fiercely independent and strong-willed, a quality that got him through any challenge, including those of his health, Mike was always devoted to his work and dedicated to doing the right thing for his clients and colleagues. He will also be remembered for his witty and somewhat sarcastic sense of humor.
He is survived and sorely missed by his parents, Ralph and Evelyn; his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah Krauss Smith and Gregory J. Smith; his sister, Linda Moser, all of Monroe; three nieces, a nephew, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Herman and Emma F. Krauss, immigrants from Germany and Switzerland, respectively; and Chester and Alvina Schmerse, as well as two uncles, an aunt, two cousins, and his beloved Golden Retriever, Cassie.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 11 am at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home in Monroe, with the Rev. Dave McRoberts, retired senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, officiating. There will be a visitation at 10 am until time of service.
A memorial fund has been established in Michael's name.
Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com