Dec. 5, 2017 – West Bend, WI – Charles “Chuck” William Krause, 72, was born to eternal life on December 3, 2017 with family by his side at New Perspective, West Bend.
He was born on June 8, 1945 in Milwaukee, and was the oldest son of Charles and Ruth Krause (nee Jahn).
Chuck graduated Nicolet High School in 1963. He was a proud Badger, graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Madison with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1968.
After graduation, he attended Naval Officer Candidate School and graduated 6th out of 600. Chuck Reported to the Pearl Harbor Submarine Base and served on the USS Aspro. He left active duty in May of 1972 and remained in the Naval Reserves for 18 years. He retired in 1992 with the final rank of Captain.
He worked for more than 30 years as a Nuclear Compliance Engineer for both Wisconsin Electric and the Nuclear Management Corporation.
Chuck married the love of his life, Nannette Ciriacks on December 2, 1972 in Glendale, WI. Together they made a loving home for their family in Cedarburg, WI, where they raised three daughters. He was devoted to his family and wanted the very best for them.
Chuck was an avid runner and cyclist, who regularly competed in triathlons and marathons, including two Boston Marathons. He loved kayaking, hunting and the outdoors.
In retirement, he and Nannette loved to travel visiting many amazing places including Alaska, China and the Mediterranean.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Nannette Krause (nee Ciriacks); his daughters, Suzanne (Michael) Harney of Seattle, WA; Carley (Mark) West of Pewaukee; Nicole Krause of Richmond, VA; and his five beloved grandchildren, Finn and Cian Harney; and Tierney, Norah and Declan West. He is further survived by his devoted brother, Dennis (Mireille) Krause of Montreal, Canada; dear sister-in-law, Diane Krause; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his youngest brother, Kenneth.
His smile, kindness and generous (albeit pragmatic) nature will be deeply missed.
A memorial service with full military honors in remembrance of Chuck will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1044 Silverbrook Dr. West Bend, WI. 53095. The Rev. Darin Wiebe will be officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. The U.S. Navy will conduct a burial at sea service, which was Chuck’s final wish.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association.
Chuck’s family would like to thank his doctors, the staff at New Perspective, especially the Betty’s Harbor caregivers, and the Season’s Hospice staff. Your companionship and empathy will never be forgotten.