Obituary of Jack Jay Kraus

Jack Jay Kraus, age 96, of Duluth died Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at his home. Jack was born April 7, 1924 in Farmington, Mn. to John and Sophia (Damann). Jack grew up on the family farm and enlisted in the Coast Guard during WW II. He was stationed at Bonavista, Newfoundland where he was an operator for the first (secret) LORAN master station. After the war he returned to the Farmington area and in September of 1948 he married Beverly Betzold. Jack worked for Farwell, Ozman, Kirk for many years and then as a chemist at the Duluth Steel Works until it closed. He finished his career working for the Duluth School system in various capacities.

The family always enjoyed many camping and road trips and after the boys were on their own mom and dad continued their travels with trips to Europe, cruises through the Panama Canal and sailing in the Caribbean with friends. After retirement they often wintered in Orlando, Fl. with his brother and his sister. After Beverly’s passing in 2007 Jack continued his wanderlust with European river cruises, various bus tours of the States, a trip to Cuba, one to Costa Rica and another cruise of the Panama Canal. His final trips were to China and last fall he went to Iceland for the first time. Jack always enjoyed a fishing outing and working around his house and yard. Jack was an active member of Chester Park United Methodist Church until it’s closing and then Hope United Methodist.

Jack is survived by his sons Keith (Kathryn), Larry and Daryl (Janice), grandchildren Jason (Jamie) and Karilyn (Gavin) Johnson and great granddaughters, Elise and Emelia Johnson and Adeline Kraus. He is also survived by his sister Marjorie and several sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Beverly, his brother Robert and nine brothers and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held at Hope United Methodist Church at a time yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Hope Methodist, your local Food Bank or a disabled veteran’s charity.