Shirley P. Kraus, residing at Preferred Senior Living, Ellsworth, formerly of River Falls, WI died at the River Falls Area Hospital on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. She was 85. Shirley was born May 10, 1935 in Saint Paul MN to parents Joseph and Elizabeth “Betty” (Tschida) Yaritz. Shirley graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in Saint Paul. On November 28, 1953, she would be united in marriage to Kenneth W. Kraus. Though the couple later divorced, their union in marriage would be blessed with five children.
Shirley enjoyed life around her hobby farm, raising Charolais beef cattle and flower gardening. She also enjoyed playing cards, loved fishing for Walleye in Canada, as well as traveling to destinations like Arizona and Florida. After selling the farm in Wisconsin, Shirley moved back to St. Paul where she resided for the next 25 years, making new friends and being closer to her roots. Shirley’s favorite activities were getting together and spending time with family and friends, especially for a good meal at one of her favorite restaurants. She will be missed dearly.
Shirley is survived by her daughters, Terri (Kim) Wagner of Beldenville, Cheri Pechacek of River Falls, and Kristi (Mike) O’Malley of River Falls, and her sons, Jeffrey (Susan) Kraus of Georgetown TX, and Anthony (Gwen) Kraus of Lee’s Summit MO; grandchildren, Brian (Debra) Kraus, Troy (Angie) Wagner, Adam (Jodi) Wagner, Traci Wagner, Tony (Melissa) Pechacek, Andy (Becky) Pechacek, Amber (Chad) Hanson, Tommy Kraus, Jessica (Jeff) Navarre, Ryan (Loren) O’Malley, Jill O’Malley, Johnny O’Malley, Nicole (Danny) McNamara, Daniel O’Malley, Ben O’Malley, and Mark O’Malley; thirteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Jerry (Regina) Yaritz; brother-in-law, Dave Altman; as well as many other relatives and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Betty; her sisters, Sandra (Jim) Gegen, and JoAnn Altman; and former husband, Kenneth Kraus.
Mass of Christian Burial for Shirley Kraus will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 23, 2020 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division Street in River Falls, with Rev. Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will take place at church one hour prior to Mass. Use of masks and social distancing will be required. Shirley’s final place of rest will be at the St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery. Memorials honoring Shirley Kraus may be given to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls, WI. 715-425-4644
