ROBERT KRAUS

Robert C. Kraus, Sr., age 81 of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024. He was born April 4, 1942 to the late Elmer and Elvira (Metz) Kraus in Appleton, and was a 1960 graduate of Menasha High School. On June 27, 1964, he married Barbara Ostrowski.

Bob worked for American Can/James River/Graphic Packaging for over 40 years as a millwright and served on many committees in his free time, including as President of Youth Sports, formerly Boys’ Sports, and for Union Local 148.

Bob was a very faithful man and was a longtime, active member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Menasha. He served for many years on their church counsel, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for over 45 years, and enjoyed partaking in Bible study. He was a giving and generous supporter of his church and his community. Bob also loved all things baseball, including the Menasha Twins and the Menasha Macs, as well as the Milwaukee Brewers. His favorite sports to watch, however, were those that his kids and grandkids were participating in. He also loved watching any theatrical production they were in. He was an avid sturgeon spearer and looked forward to his yearly Canadian fishing trip. 

Bob will be missed by his children: Jody (Jeff) Mainville; Judy (Keith) Peterson; and Robert (Wendy) Kraus, Jr.; grandsons: Nick (Angie) Mainville; Bryan Mainville; Adam Mainville; Josh (Naomi) Peterson; Brett (Cassie) Peterson; Hayden Kraus; and Jake (Madeline) Kraus; and great-grandchildren: Josh, Jr.; Grace, Hope, Graham, and a baby due in July. Bob is further survived by his brother, Ron (Dottie) Kraus; sisters-in-law: Mary Jane Briggs and Sandy MacDonald; and by many special nieces, nephews, family, and friends, including his longtime friend, LeRoy Ecklund.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; parents, Elmer & Elvira Kraus; parents-in-law, Stanley and Grace Ostrowski; his great-grandson, David Peterson; brother, Dennis Kraus; brothers-in-law, Butch MacDonald, Stanley Ostrowski, Jr., Frank Waksmonski; sisters-in-law: Letha Kraus and Arlette Waksmonski; and his lifelong friend, Russ Wendt.

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 473 7th St., Menasha with Rev. David Skarsten officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Fox Valley Lutheran Homes, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

You’ll forever be in our hearts. Until we meet again, your family.