Ralph G. Krauss, 96, passed on peacefully at his own home in Monroe following a very brief and unexpected encounter with cancer.
The middle child of Herman and Emma Schӓr Krauss, emigrants from Germany and Switzerland respectively, Ralph was born in Monroe on June 22, 1928, and grew up on the Kraus family farm in the Town of Monroe. He attended Argus School on County N, and in 1946 graduated from Monroe High School, where he was active in the Future Farmers of America.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952, including some time in Germany, and was part of the Army Reserve from 1952-1956.
On June 12, 1954, he married Evelyn R. Schmerse at the Immanuel EUB Church in Monroe. They had 3 children – Deborah, Linda, and Michael - and observed their 70th wedding anniversary this past June. He was confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church (now UCC) in Monroe, and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Monroe.
While it didn’t work out for Ralph to pursue farming in adulthood, he was always a farm boy at heart. He excelled at vegetable gardening, enjoyed working outside, and could fix just about anything.
In his younger years he worked at Monroe Feed and Seed, Fairbanks Morse in Freeport, IL and Beloit, followed by a short time at Kelly-Springfield Tire Co. in Freeport. The majority of his working years until retirement were at Moore Business Forms (now RR Donnelly) in Monroe, where he was a group leader.In retirement, Ralph enjoyed traveling, time in Florida during the winter, woodworking, and tending to his lawn and garden.
Hard-working, but quiet and unassuming, Ralph had a playful sense of humor that was enjoyed by those who knew him best. Children and pets were drawn to his gentle presence. Always responsible and organized, Ralph took good care of his family, and was always looking out for their well-being, even in his last days.
Ralph now joins his only son, Michael, who passed on in 2018, as well as his brother, Carl, in 1989; sister, Mardell, in 1993; father, Herman, in 1952; and mother, Emma, in 1999. He leaves behind his wife, Evelyn, at home; two daughters, Deborah Krauss Smith (Gregory J. Smith), of rural Monroe, and Linda Moser, Monroe; a nephew, Gary Krauss (Rena Palloff) of Alameda, CA; sister-in-law, Doris Schmerse, of Monroe and brothers-in-law, Jim Schmerse of Clinton, IA and Nathan Schmerse of Markesan, WI; grandchildren Kristina Moser, Brianna (Nick) Behselich, Danielle (Justin) Marko, and Tyler Moser; 6 great-grandchildren; other nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Scott and Becky Feldt.
A heartfelt word of gratitude goes to Ashley, Liz, Leah, Melissa, Tina, Cheryl, and Joyce, of Joyce’s Home Care for their compassionate caregiving assistance, and to the Monroe SSM Hospice Care Team.
Ralph will be remembered at a service on Saturday, December 14 at 11:00 am at Shriner-Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home, with a visitation from 10:00 am until time of service.
