Donald Everal Krause of Ellsworth, WI passed away peacefully on December 22, 2020 at the age of 88. Donald was born to Everal and Ruth (McCrae) Krause on November 3, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from Ellsworth High School, Donald attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls obtaining an associate’s degree. In 1952, he joined the United States Navy and honorably served his beloved country for 8 years. On October 17, 1953, Donald married Lois Larson, whom he met during his years in college and was blessed with 3 loving children, Scott, Mark, and Robyn.

Donald was an inquisitive man. He had a passion for tinkering and could fix just about anything, even if it may have only worked for him. He also enjoyed giving his time, sharing his knowledge and skills with anyone that needed it. Donald had a love for the outdoors.  He found joy in tending to his beautiful gardens, hunting, hiking, camping in the wilderness, and sledding with his family in the winter. He also was quite the athlete in his younger years playing basketball and football at Ellsworth High and in his later years a variety of recreational sports. It didn’t matter where he was whether it was hunting in Montana, fishing in the Boundary Waters or spending time in Florida, family was above all his greatest happiness.

Donald will remain in the hearts of his children, Scott (Dawn), Mark (Brenda), Robyn (Rick); his grandchildren: Matt (Elisa), Mike (Angie), Heather, Luke, Jeanna, Josh, Jake, and Jillian; great-grandchildren: Vivienne, Violet and Ashton; his brother, Alan (Millie) Krause; along with many other dear relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; and his parents, Everal and Ruth Krause.

With the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of Donald’s life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of memorials, Donald’s family wishes you honor him by doing something kind for someone or help out a neighbor in need for that is what Donald would do.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Ellsworth Health Services for their kind and loving care.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com