NEW ULM–Thomas Kraus, age 90, of New Ulm passed away Friday, October 18, 2024, at the Cedar Heart Homes in Franklin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. Burial will be held in the New Ulm City Cemetery, Soldier’s Rest section where the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard will provide full military honors. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Friday, October 25, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.

Tom is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Elaine Kraus; son, Randy (Mary) Kraus of New Ulm and their children, Jesse and Jada (fiancé Beau Brinkmann); daughter, Laurie (Tony) Domeier of Sleepy Eye and their children, Andrea (Pat) Uckert and Kurt Domeier; two great-grandchildren, Will and Josie Uckert; sister, Phyllis Martinka of Mankato; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Veronica (Hoffman) Kraus; brother, Donald Kraus; infant brother, Linus Kraus; sister-in-law, LaVonne Kraus; brother-in-law, Jerry Martinka; and nieces, Jane Dorland and Kay Kraus.

Thomas Bruce Kraus was born December 31, 1933, to Charles and Veronica (Hoffman) Kraus in New Ulm. He attended St. Mary’s grade school and graduated in 1951 from New Ulm High School. After graduation, Tom worked for four years at the New Ulm Creamery and then enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. After his service, Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elaine Bushard, on August 30, 1958, in St. George. Their union was blessed with two children. In addition to being a father, Tom provided for his family by working at Kraft Foods in New Ulm. He achieved a 38-year long career before retiring in April of 1996. Retirement life did not suit Tom, so he then picked up a paint brush with his son, Randy, and continued working alongside Elaine, Janice Seifert, and Kenny Kuck. Tom finally retired only two years ago at the age of 88.

Outside of working, Tom spent a lifetime outdoors. He especially enjoyed baseball, football, gardening, mushroom hunting, and hunting in general. Tom spent his early years in life hunting with his dad and brother. As the years went by, Tom continued hunting with many family and friends. Many fond memories were made going hunting and shooting a trophy buck with the Winchester 12-gauge model 12 that was handed down from his father, as well as playing baseball with the New Ulm Millers, The Brewers, and the Stark Team.

Tom lived a simple, no fuss life, where a good day could be sitting on the front porch enjoying the company of family, friends and neighbors. He was a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandpa, and loving great-grandfather. He will be missed dearly. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, family prefers memorials to NUACS, Brown County Humane Society, Brown County VA, or donor’s choice.

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