RUTH J. KRAUS

Ruth J. Kraus, 85 of N9051 Highway J, Elkhart Lake, Wis., died Tuesday morning, March 2, 2010 at her home after a brief illness, surrounded by her family.

She is the former Ruth J. Wiehr, born Feb. 23, 1925, in Elkhart Lake, daughter of the late Arno and Erna (Reichert) Wiehr. Ruth was a 1943 graduate of Elkhart Lake High School.

On Nov. 20, 1951, she married Walter F. Kraus at St. George Catholic Church, Elkhart Lake.

She had previously worked at Yehle Grocery Store and for Dr. Brickbauer. Ruth and her husband Walter farmed from 1951 until they retired in 1989.

Ruth was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake and an honorary member of the Christian Women.

Ruth was an avid reader and also enjoyed the beauty of flowers, humming birds and watching the birds enjoy the bird feeders in her yard.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Walter of rural Elkhart Lake; two children, Michael (Karen) Kraus of Verona, Wis., and Katherine Kraus of rural Elkhart Lake; and four grandchildren, Amanda Kraus, Brandon Kraus, Jason Walber and Amy Walber. She is further survived by one sister, Marion Wiehr, and one brother, Charles Wiehr, both of Plymouth; and by other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by one brother, Robert Wiehr.

The funeral Mass for Ruth was celebrated Saturday morning, March 6, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake with the Very Rev. Dennis VanBeek officiating.

A wake service was held Friday evening at the funeral home. Burial took place in the church cemetery. For online condolences, visit www.meiselwitzfh.com.

A memorial has been established in Ruth’s name.

Ruth’s family would like to extend their thanks to St. Nicholas Hospice, Dr. Steven Staehling and Dana Waters for the wonderful care she received and to the Very Rev. Dennis VanBeek for his concern and prayers.