Kenneth Martin “Ken” Krause
Kenneth Martin “Ken” Krause, 73, of Fond du Lac, died Sunday, December 15, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at Edenbrook – Fond du Lac after a long courageous battle with Parkinsons Disease. He was born in Fond du Lac on March 6, 1951, to Arman and Virginia (Grusnick) Krause. Ken attended St. Mary’s grade school, graduated from Goodrich High School, and as a talented athlete, earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Kentucky where he played football. He played basketball and baseball in high school as well. Ken would go on to coach football, basketball, baseball and softball for 25 years, being recognized many times for his coaching abilities.
On August 18, 1972 while serving as best man at a friend’s wedding he met the maid of honor and they fell in love in a fairy tale romance. Exactly one year later on August 18, 1973, Ken married Linda Schibline in Fond du Lac at St. Mary’s Church. They started their family in record time welcoming Tammy on August 11, 1974. Theresa, Christine and James quickly followed and so began the life of the Krause family. Ken loved to take his family camping. Summers were filled with hiking, fishing, swimming, softball, water skiing, campfires, laughter and family time. We will continue to carry on this tradition that he started.
Watching his grandchildren play sports was a big part of Ken’s life. He was always the biggest fan and traveled everywhere to watch them play. Ken was so proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments. He also loved to travel to Las Vegas and Laughlin with his loving wife. Sometimes family or friends joined them but mostly it was the two of them. Ken would gamble and take Linda to music acts and comedy shows. NFL Sunday was his favorite! Packer parties with family and friends were never missed. Ken loved to golf as well with his last round of golf resulting in a hole in one in Sarasota, Florida!
Ken was known to many as he worked for the City of Fond du Lac for 35 years, retiring as foreman of the maintenance department in 2009. While with the city, he helped with the implementation of a new garbage disposal trucking system. Ken took great pride in his work for the city working many jobs and overtime when necessary throughout the years in construction, snow removal, street sweeping and garbage pickup.
Dad lived each day to the fullest. He was always smiling, joking and trying to make you laugh. We will miss him every day.
Survivors include his loving wife, Linda; children, Tammy (John) Groszczyk, Theresa (Trevor) Lauber, Christine (Jason) Kuenzi, and James (Kelly) Krause; grandchildren, Emily, Zackary, Morgan, and Michael Groszczyk, Tyler and Hunter Lauber, Jackson Kenneth, and Liam Kuenzi, and Paisley, and Layne Krause; brother, Jerome (Debbie) Krause; sister, Mary (Richard) Klubertanz; father-in-law, Joseph Schibline; brothers-in-law, David (Jackie) Schibline, and Augustine (Susan) Uribe; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Schibline; sister, Rose Sweet (Krause); sister, Elizabeth Krause; sister-in-law, Mary Uribe; and his best friend, Kenny Christie.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, December 27, 2024, at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac. Visitation at church will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of Mass. Burial in Calvary Cemetery will follow. Cremation has taken place.
A special thank you to the nursing staff at Edenbrook – Fond du Lac (It took 25 women and a few men to replace our Mom!) as well as those from St. Croix Hospice. Each and every one of you took such great care of Ken. He loved and appreciated you all very much.
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com