Father Ken Krause
"He left behind a legacy of living life fully."
- Father Joe Robillard
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| Father Ken Krause |
| Jan 27, 1936 - Jun 25, 1999 |
Father Ken Krause was very much a person who truly loved people and had great compassion for them. Upon first arriving at St. Joachim in 1982, he enrolled in a Spanish class in order to be able to reach out to the seizable Hispanic community already attending the Holy Mass at St. Joachim. His preaching style was not based upon speaking from the pulpit, but rather was characterized by delivering the sermon while walking with a cordless microphone among the parishioners. Always armed with an endless series of puns and jokes, he was constantly full of surprises and very much conveyed a joy and love for life.
Despite his consistently jovial attitude and appearance, Father Ken Karuse was a serious perfectionist. This was especially true when it came to matters of the church and the ministries that St. Joachim's provided. Every detail, no matter how small, mattered to Father Krause, and he would be relentless in guiding and pushing others so that everything was completely thought through and achieved in the best possible way.
Perhaps the most memorable characteristic of Father Krause was his remarkable ability to bring the Gospel to people in a way that was familiar, personal, and contemporarily relevant. Listening to Father Krause deliver a sermon felt more like talking with a favorite uncle at home over dinner rather than listening to a well-studied dissertation on a religious topic. His style was engaging, inviting, and left an impact on the lives of the parishioners that extended beyond the walls of the church and into the world at large.
Father Krause's life was one of giving at all times regardless of the situation. Hundreds of people have personally and directly benefited from Father Krause's encouragement, compassion and tireless efforts to help. Even when cancer of the pancreas mortally struck him, he continued to give by actively demonstrating to others around him how one can hold to the faith and continue giving.
Despite his death, Father Krause remains a very inspiring man. His love for people continues to touch not only those who knew him, but also those who, by virtue of receiving Father Krause's love, are able to love others more fully.
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