RICHARD LEE KRAUSE

Krause, Richard L., 71, died April 19, 2011 in Mounds. He was born February 26, 1940 in Oklahoma City, OK. Richard was a son, brother, friend, husband, father, uncle, teacher, and grandfather. He was happily married to Patsy for over 40 years. To all that met him, he was like a bear of a man whose handshake and hugs would envelope you. Richard was always outspoken; sometimes VERY outspoken. He had no problem telling you exactly what was on his mind. He was firm with his children and eight grandchildren, but always full of unconditional love and extremely proud of them all. He had the uncanny ability to talk with anyone and get them to laugh. He was able to keep all of life in perspective. He was very well read and always seemed to have at least 3 books going at one time. He loved history and was the family genealogist. He enlisted in the US Navy and served as a US Marine Corps Medic during Vietnam. He proudly displayed a decoration for saving the life of a fellow Marine during training by putting his own body in the way to break his comrade's fall. As one of the Tulsa Community College "Originals", he maintained high standards and expected his students to learn. He remained close to his "TCC Retirees" friends throughout the years. He was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Mounds Lions Club, Mounds Friends of the Library, and other civic groups, as well as the Vice President of the Mounds Historical Society. After his wife's passing in 2007, he grew very attached to a St John's "Forever Friends" grief group whom he relied upon for friendship and support. Richard had an unfailing commitment to family and leaves a legacy as the family patriarch. He lived a life committed to love and responsibility and will be deeply missed by all that knew him. He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jon Michael and Julie Krause of Ankara, Turkey; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Stacey Johnson of West Plains, MO; brothers, Jon Howard Krause of Ada, OK; Charles Krause of Madill, OK; Thomas Krause of Ada, OK; Joseph Krause of Ada, OK; and sister, Karen Baker of Bartlesville, OK; 8 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, April 25, 2011, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a rosary, 7 p.m. both at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, Tulsa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 11 a.m. at Church of St. Mary, Tulsa. Interment will be at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2011. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to The American Kidney Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), St. Mary's Education Foundation, The American Diabetes Association or a charity of choice.

FITZGERALD SOUTHWOOD COLONIAL CHAPEL