Richard David Krause

  Rich, age 76, of North Mankato died Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at Laurel’s Peak, Mankato. He was born March 14, 1946, in Mountain Lake, MN to David and Wilma (Franz) Krause. Growing up on the family farm shaped and influenced many of his lifelong values and interests. Starting at a young age, Rich worked alongside his dad and grandpa caring for the animals, planting and harvesting crops, maintaining buildings and equipment and learning how to manage all aspects of the farming business. This provided a natural progression into his college business administration education graduating with a BA degree at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

  The happiest day of Rich’s life happened on June 12, 1967, when he married his high school sweetheart Fay Ann Janzen. Two other days of great happiness were when his children, Stan and Lana were born. He shared his life with his family whether it was work or play. Some of their favorite activities to do together were skiing, camping, fishing and playing board games. The love for his family magnified with the birth of his precious grandchildren, Tanner and Sema. His most favorite name was ‘grandpa’.  Rich and Fay provided for their family by owning and operating ServiceMaster of Mankato from 1973 to 2006. Through those years he received many awards for excellence and growth. In addition, he acquired Blind Cleaners Plus. Upon retirement in 2013, Rich became the parish administrator for Grace Lutheran Church from 2014 to 2021.

  As busy as he was, he always found extra time in his life for his other passions which included a 30-year membership on the Mt Kato Ski Patrol, acquiring a lifetime membership in the National Ski Patrol. As an NSP member, he was instrumental in developing the adaptive ski program at Mt Kato for children and adults with disabilities. In fact, he received the Jefferson Good Neighbor Award in 2007 for this work. In addition to skiing, Rich enjoyed collecting matchbox cars of yesteryear, fishing, woodworking and hanging out with the Bucksnort Gang.

  Rich had a heart of compassion for a variety of people in need. He served on the board and managed the finances for PACT Ministries which provides food for people with food insecurities in the Mankato area. His compassion stretched all the way to some of the most remote parts of Alaska with mission trips where buildings were built, repaired and renovated. He always said these were some of the best times of his life. Another need locally was homelessness. Rich helped develop Connections ministry to serve those individuals and families in need of housing.    

  The driving force throughout Rich’s life was always his faith in God. The faith that was nurtured as a child grew and matured throughout his life. It was important to him to know God and demonstrate that love toward others. His goal was to live a life that was pleasing to God.

  Rich is survived by his wife, Fay of North Mankato; son, Stan (Handan) Krause of Woodbury, MN; daughter, Lana (Dave) Scanlan of Juneau, AK; brother, Gordon (Lori) Krause of Mountain Lake; sister, Diane (Jim) Meyers of North Mankato; and brother-in-law, David Wilson of Omaha, NE.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Wilson.

  Please join the family in celebrating his life. Visitation will be on Sunday October 9, 2022, from 4-7pm at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary.  Funeral Service will be held at Crossview Covenant Church on October 10 at 11am with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Mt Lake Cemetery.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

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