He was born to Louis and Moria (Payne) Kraus on Dec. 30, 1919 near Ft. Morgan, Colo. Harold spent his childhood working with his family who were dry land wheat farmers in Eastern Colorado.
After graduating high school in Ft. Morgan he went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in education. From there he continued his education in Gunnison at Western State University. It was here that Harold received both his masters and his doctorate in education. Harold then enlisted and served in the United States Navy, where he was stationed on Treasure Island.
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Harold married Betty McBratney on June 17, 1987 in a beautiful setting on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.
Aside from his tenure in education many will remember Harold as a loyal and active lifetime member of the Montrose Lions Club. For his outstanding service to the Lions and his community Harold was awarded a prestigious and international award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship.
Harold enjoyed staying active, which explains why a passion of his was gardening. He was also an avid fisherman, golfer and bowler. He even formed his own Pinochle club. His family remembers his talent for woodworking, leatherworking, and a fading craft known as tatting; for his tatting work Harold received numerous awards and ribbons.
Above all Harold will be remembered as a loving family man and friend. His extended family of local school children were a large part of Harold’s life. He had a wonderful sense of humor which he couldn’t help but pass along to his family. He was extremely altruistic and will be greatly missed by the community.
Surviving family members who were blessed to share Harold’s life include his wife Betty Kraus of Payson, Ariz., his daughter Kay Johansen of Lakewood, Colo., step-son Steve (Barbara) Thompson of Phoenix, Ariz., two grand daughters Margaret (Bill) Benson of Aurora, Colo., and Becky (Steve) Burns of Lincoln, Neb. He is further survived by four great-grandchildren plus one the way as well as three great-great grandchildren.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Dolly May Kraus.
A visitation will be held on Thursday Aug. 9, 2007 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Valley Lawn Funeral Home chapel. In honor and celebration of Harold’s life Dick Baker will officiate a funeral service on Friday Aug. 10, 2007 at noon at the United Methodist Church. Interment will follow south of Montrose at the Valley Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Carla’s Care or the charity of your choosing.
Arrangements are being handled under the direction of the Valley Lawn Funeral Home in Montrose, 505 S. 2nd St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-4400.
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