William J. Kraus, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

William J. “Bill”Kraus

Date of Birth September 20, 1952
Passed Away On March 28, 2018
At Age 65 years
Resident of Hooper, NE
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A celebration of life for William James Kraus, 65, of Hooper, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 4th, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont, NE with Father Jim Heithoff as celebrant, Father Damien Wee and Father Mike Eckley as concelebrants, and Deacon Junior Pribnow, assisting. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 4pm to 7pm with the family present beginning at 5pm. A wake service will be at 7pm on Tuesday all at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Fremont.

After ten years of fighting cancer like a champion, Bill died a peaceful death in his home wrapped in love and surrounded by his wife and kids on Wednesday, March 28, 2018.

Bill was born on September 20, 1952 in North Platte, NE. He was the son of John and Barbara (Zieons) Kraus. On August 18, 1973, he married the love of his life, Patricia Schroeder at St. Louis Catholic Church in Glenrock, WY.

Bill's childhood was spent on the family farm in Madrid, NE with his parents and nine siblings. He lived a life of humble service to others. He was a teacher, a coach, a musician, a principal, and a mentor to many at Bison, Arnold, Sandhills, and Logan View schools. Most important to him were his roles of husband, dad, grandpa, and friend.

Survivors include his wife, Patti; four kids, Mary Jo and husband Keith Hier of Omaha, Kevin and wife Hailey of Hooper, Anthony of Los Angeles, Theresa and husband Nathan Schiessler of Omaha; seven grandchildren, Grayson, Emmery and Beckham Kraus, and Crosby, Penelope, August, and Azalea Hier; nine siblings, Doug and wife Esther, Marty Ising, Lou and wife Carol, Marietta and husband Len Johnson, Tom and wife Janet, Gerry and wife Shari, Chris and wife Janice, Kay and husband George Meeks, Pat and wife Joan; his mother and father-in-law, Ro and Mary Schroeder; three sister-in-laws, Michaela Wienrich, Judy and husband Bob Lacey, Kathy Matula; one brother-in-law, Joe Schroeder; and many, many nieces and nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by a son, John Francis; a brother, Karl Michael; and his parents, John and Barbara Kraus.

Memorials may be directed to the family for further designation.

Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

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Services

Visitation

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

3400 E. 16th Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

April 3, 2018

4:00pm to 7:00pm

Map ↗

Visitation

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

3400 E. 16th Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

April 3, 2018

Family present from 5-7pm

Map ↗

Funeral Service

Wake Service

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

3400 East 16th Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

April 3, 2018

7:00 PM

Map ↗

Funeral Service

Funeral Mass

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

3400 East 16th Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

April 4, 2018

10:30 AM

Map ↗
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Condolences (12)

L
Lee and Jan (Walters) Judy Gering, NE April 3, 2018
"I knew Bill many years ago, going to Wheatland High School. He was such a fine young man. Always so polite and caring. He had an infectious smile that would light up the room. Our prayers and thoughts for you Patricia and family"
P
Peggy (Lee) Sage Milliken, CO April 3, 2018
"A sad loss to those who had yet to meet this fine man and sadder, still, for those who knew him. Coming from the small community he grew up in, I can say he was looked up to by everyone and kind to all. Prayers to his family and the friends who were blessed with his friendship."
J
Jay Walters Enterprise, AL April 2, 2018
"May you rest in peace Bill. One of the finest gentleman I have ever known. Though separated by many years, I will always remember Bill. One of the finest athletes to come out of Western Nebraska - with a heart of "gold" and a humble bearing. May God comfort his family.
Jay Walters"
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