William Kraus Obituary

William K. "Bill" Kraus

May 31, 1934 - May 4, 2023

Sandusky

"If you touch one person's soul with your singing collectively as a group, you have served what you have set out to do…"

This is "influence".

William K. "Bill" Kraus of Sandusky, lived a full 88, almost 89 years, courageously only leaving us after an intense, brief illness Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Bill was born May 31, 1934, in Sandusky, to Andrew J. Kraus(e) and Nellie (Carnegie) Kraus. He attended Sandusky City Schools and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1952. Also, an alumni of Bowling Green State University (BGSU), he graduated from there in 1961 with Bachelor of Arts in Music & Education. An honorably discharged veteran, Bill served in U.S. Navy from 1953-1957 during the Korean War.

After the Navy, G.I. Bill, and college, Bill returned to Sandusky and to an amazing and influential 33-year career in vocal music education as a music teacher with Sandusky City Schools, initially teaching music and directing the choir at Jackson Junior High School. After 13 years, he then advanced to the position of Director of Vocal Music at Sandusky High School and as the director of Sandusky High School A Capella Choir, a position he enthusiastically performed from 1974 until his retirement in 1993. Bill directed Sandusky Choral Society for 40 years and the music programs at the First Presbyterian Church. He directed vocal music at Trinity Lutheran & Grace Episcopal Church(es), and returned to BGSU at Firelands College, to direct the vocal music there and this list is not at all inclusive. Affection for music was always present and presented, even when he delivered flowers for Corso's Cleveland Road Green House, an opportunity to influence again, contributing with a song or a serenade.

While music was and is Bill's greatest passion, he was also an avid sportsman, fisherman, and boater. He loved being near and on Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie, an affection and influence he has passed on through several generations of children and grandchildren. Also passionate about summer sports, Bill coached several seasons of girl scout softball and Little League Baseball, with two of his teams winning World Series Championships!

Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Kathleen F. (Fraser) Kraus; sisters, Judy and Thomas Wolfe, both of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, and Gayle Bovia of Greenwich; and his legacy continues with his children's families of Jeffery and Irene Kraus of Sandusky, Robert and Julia Kraus of Norwalk, Steven and Bonnie Kraus of Oak Harbor, and Carolyn and Ralph Springer of Milan; 12 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his son, David William Kraus on Aug. 8, 2009.

The influence of his living was warmly demonstrated in song and friendship this past February with a "Celebration of Life for William Kraus" that was honored and was attended by hundreds of his current and past choir and choral society members and felt through thousands of musical interactions with his students and past athletes.

Considerations for donations may be made in William Kraus' name to Sandusky High School A Capella Choir, 2130 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870, ATTN: A Capella Choir, or Sandusky Choral Society, P.O. Box 1221, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

William "Bill" Kraus continues to inspire and influence.

The family is conducting a private graveside service.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.