Donald G. Kraus, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home in Hewitt, Wisconsin, on March 24, 2024. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior early in his life and he is now enjoying eternal life with the Lord and loved ones who have passed into the eternal state.

A Mass of Christian Burial and celebration of Donald's life will be held on April 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church, Marshfield, WI. Visitation will be held before the Mass from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Donald was born in Auburndale, Wisconsin, to Otto and Gertrude (Van de Loo) Kraus. He married his beloved wife, Margaret, on July 14, 1956, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stratford, Wisconsin. They enjoyed 59 wonderful years together before Margaret's death in 2015. Donald and Margaret had five children, Thomas Kraus, Hewitt, WI, Barbara Anderson (Scott), Minneapolis, MN, Terrence Kraus, Crivitz, WI, Mary Howard (Kevin), Chetek, WI, and Kathleen Braman (Gary), Verona, WI.

Donald was a graduate of Marshfield High School and of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Agricultural Short Course where he earned an Associate Degree. He and Margaret farmed for many years in the Town of Marshfield and then moved to Hewitt. Donald worked at Felker Brothers Mfg. until his retirement in 1999.

Growing up on a farm, and later running his own farm, Donald developed a work ethic that can only be described as "unmatched." He instilled that work ethic into his children who are grateful, although grumblingly so as they were growing up. He lived a life full of hard work, dear friends and a loving family. Despite many health challenges throughout his life, starting with polio at age five, he persevered and thrived. He was a pillar of strength and endurance and had a great sense of humor which he kept throughout his life.

Donald most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to keep busy whether it be maintaining his house and yard, helping family and friends, fixing things, feeding his outdoor birds, or just plain old tinkering, until his legs no longer allowed him to get around. He enjoyed a good laugh and liked to make others laugh. He was kind and outgoing and liked to strike up a friendly conversation, even with strangers. It seemed to his children that he knew everyone in Marshfield.

Donald is survived by his five children, eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Otto and Vicki Kraus of Stoughton, WI, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Margaret, his brothers, Aloysius Kraus and Adolph Kraus, and his sisters-in-law, Agnes Kraus, and Marian Kraus.

Donald was a loving force and a guiding light in the lives of his children. They were blessed to have him as their father and were so proud to call him "Dad." He will be deeply missed.