Edwin Kraus

Lt. Colonel (Retired) Edwin John Kraus, 87, passed away at his home from natural causes. Edwin was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Edwin William Charles and Margaret Schafer Kraus. He graduated from St. Louis University with an Industrial Engineering degree in June 1955 and received his Air Force ROTC commission as a 2nd Lieutenant that month.

He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Sue Kraus, in January 1955. Ed and Sue had six children, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2020.

Lt. Colonel Kraus had a distinguished 24-year military career in the U.S. Air Force as a navigator flying in the C-130 transport aircraft, accumulating over 8,000 flying hours. Ed's assignments included an extensive tour with the Canadian Air Force, where he was only the sixth person awarded the Canadian 5,000-hour pin for service in the C-130. He served in Vietnam, and later was the Wing Commander's Executive Officer and the Wing Director of Operation's Executive Officer at various stations, including Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska and Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas.. His service decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, five Air Medals, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following his military retirement, Ed worked as a Safety Engineer for Employers Insurance of Texas, twice being recognized as the Engineer of the Year.

Throughout his life, Ed was an active and devoted member of the Catholic Community. After their move to Fort Collins in 1992, Ed and Sue were both active members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

Ed is survived by his children, Laurie (Lee) Schutze, daughter-in law Cara (Kurt) Pilgrim, Mary (Steve) Kowalski, Margaret Brown, Ed (Angie) Kraus, John (Cynthia) Kraus. His grandchildren are Stephen (Ally) Pragovich, Elizabeth (John) Oldham, Anthony (Corinne) Pragovich, Amy Kraus, Amanda (Ben) Brown, Ashley Brown, Alex McConnell, Sarah (Sean) Quinn, Aaron Kraus, Nathan Kraus and Ryan Kraus. His great grandchildren are Jada Joiner, Landon and Evelyn Ryan, Mason and Madeline Oldham, Shaelyn Pragovich and Ace Pragovich. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Sturm, and son Larry. Ed is now united eternally with his beloved Sue who passed away in November 2020.

Ed's services will be held on June 19th as follows: Rosary at 10:30 am; Memorial Mass at 11:00 am, both at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish in Fort Collins and streamed online at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Religious-Organization/St-Elizabeth-Ann-Seton-Catholic-Parish-in-Fort-Collins-CO-613861565303368/

Interment with full military honors will immediately follow Mass at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins.