Richard ( Dick ) Carl Kraus

Richard ( Dick ) Carl Kraus, age 93, of Lilburn, Georgia, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022 of natural causes. Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on October 1, 1928 to Gottfried and Isabelle ( Latisch ) Kraus, he was the younger brother to his sister Carol ( Arndt ). Dick grew up in Sheboygan and attended North High School, graduating class of ’46. He soon joined the U.S. Navy and nearly had a successful completion for Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. Upon finishing his enlistment, he returned to Wisconsin to acquire a Liberal Arts Degree from Lakeland College.

While being employed by the Leverenz Shoe Company, Dick was relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he would eventually meet his future wife of 58 years, Eleanor. Their family of five sons kept them very active, and Dick accepted several management positions with the YMCA in Cedar Rapids and later in a brief move to Charleston, W.Va. Dick’s ultimate career opportunity was in sales with Research Institute of America, which brought the family to Ravenna, Ohio in 1967. The final, major move for the Dick Kraus household, was his employment relocation to Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1971.

Dick enjoyed vacationing trips with his immediate family throughout his life, including regular visits to his extended relatives. Because of his German heritage, he and Eleanor traveled twice to Germany upon his retirement. It’s obvious Dick was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, but the long southern influence did allow some attention for the Atlanta Falcons and Braves.

Dick was a 50-year member of Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Stone Mountain. His devotion centered on serving the homeless population, and  a passion for making wooden toys for children in need and hospital patients. He enthusiastically lead the congregation’s annual Oktoberfest event for almost 30 years.

His immediate and extended family, friends, church members, and fellow residents at Sunrise Senior Living Center will miss his warm sense of humor and caring personality. Dick is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Eleanor Bier Kraus. He is survived by his sons, Howard ( Janice ) of Albright, W.Va.; George ( Valerie ) of Kenna, W.Va.; Les ( Jan ) of Punta Gorda, Fl.; Jim ( Karen ) of Niceville, Fl.; and Bruce ( Kelly ) of Snellville, Ga.;  14 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, along with 9 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Homeless Ministry at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. A heartfelt thank you for all the staff at Sunrise Senior Living Center for all the activities, care, and gracious services you have provided in the past 5 years where Dick called home.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Dick’s life, will be held on May 13 ^th ,  at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, 5135 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia at 1:30pm ; visitation prior to the service will be at 12:30pm –1:30pm.