Lou Kraus

LOU KRAUS, age 79, of Brule, passed away September 17, 2019, at his home.

Lou was born June 12, 1940, at Holyoke, Colorado to John P. and Barbara K. (Zieons) Kraus. He graduated from Sidney St. Patrick's High School before studying Music Education at St. Benedict University and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He would later earn his Master's Degree from the University of Wyoming. Lou farmed and taught music at Riverton, WY before returning to Nebraska in 1981 when he moved to Ogallala. A few years later, Lou opened a music store in downtown Ogallala. On June 7, 2003, Lou married Carol Abbuhl at Ogallala. The couple made their home west of Ogallala.

Lou had a tremendous passion for music and was a masterful musician in his own right, though one of his most gratifying chords resonated when he could connect a young person with an instrument and an appreciation for music. Lou enjoyed traveling when he got the chance and developed a great fondness for San Blas, Mexico. Lou went to San Blas every year, and often took with him musical instruments, bicycles, and other gifts for the locals there, who were as veritable family to Lou. The people of San Blas truly held a special place in Lou's heart, and that sentiment was indeed reciprocal.

Lou was also a great lover of cars, and he had a robust collection of them. Among his favorites were a '69 Camaro and a 1928 Plymouth Coupe that he'd owned since he was twelve years old.

Lou liked to have fun, and it wasn't ever hard to solicit his laughter. He even had fun "loading the dishwasher," which he would lightheartedly describe as pouring his wife a glass of wine. Part of Lou's enjoyment over the years also came with his involvement in local bands. He played countless venues, and no matter where he was, or who he was playing for, Lou always enjoyed himself. A husband, father, grandfather, musician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, car collector, storyteller, adventurer, teacher, mentor, and dear friend to many, Lou Kraus was an uncommon treasure. Lou's life was a joyful melody, and though it's now finished, its recollection yet brings a smile.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, William & Karl; step-daughter, Mary Premer.

Survivors include his wife, Carol of Brule; his children, Jeni (Troy) Wehmeyer of Ogallala, Alicia (Miguel) Patrick of Grant, John Kraus of Ogallala, Kathy (John) Woodmancy of Grant, Bernie (Joe) Calderon of El Paso, TX, Margaret Flowers of Ethete, WY; grandchildren, Bryce, Breezy (Drake), Gabrielle (Justin), Rachel (Conner), Katie, Tessa (Nick), Joel, Kayla (Derek), Peyton, Jacob, Mary (Trent), Chauncey; great-grandchildren, Lily, Everly, Tallulah; his siblings, Doug (Esther) Kraus, Marty Ising, Marietta (Len) Johnson, Tom (Janet) Kraus, Gerry (Shari) Kraus, Chris (Janice) Kraus, Kay (George) Meeks, and Pat (Joan) Kraus; sister-in-law, Patti Kraus; step children, John (Melinda) Palic; Roseanne (Kipp) Bauchert, Julie (Otto) Sloane, and Mike Premer; step-grandchildren, Ashley, Connor, Lauren, Lynsey, Riley, Tyler, Nadia, and Surita (Michael); special nephew, Tim Kraus of Brule; special friends, Luis (Heidi) Juarez and their children Diego, Rihanna, & Marissa, all of Ogallala.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Lou's memory with the intent to fund a youth music scholarship. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 23, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment of cremains will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial book signing will be on Sunday, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Rosary and Wake Service will be on Sunday at 6 p.m. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.