Marvin Henry Kraus was born in Friend on Nov. 5, 1939, to Henry and Elsie (Husa) Kraus. He passed to his eternal rest on April 21, 2024, at the Fillmore County Hospital at the age of 84.
Marvin attended country school in rural Saline County, entering Friend Public Schools for seventh grade. Marvin excelled in school, achieving the honor of being valedictorian for the Friend Class of 1957.
Marvin dated and ultimately married Linda (Kay) Williams on Jan. 3, 1960, at the Friend United Church of Christ with Kay’s Dad (Marvin Williams) officiating. After their marriage, Marvin and Kay lived on a family farm near Friend, later moving to the home farm in 1975 when Marv’s parents retired in Crete. They were blessed with two children, Paul Alan in 1965 and Kristin Lynn in 1968.
Marvin farmed with his father south of Friend for more than 45 years. He enjoyed field work and working with livestock (more inclined to working with cattle than hogs). However, Marvin is best described as a “gentleman farmer,” with vast interests beyond farming. Marvin had a great passion for community work and had a supporting wife who encouraged and shared this lifestyle.
Marvin and Kay sold the family farm and built a house in Friend in 1995. They enjoyed the benefits of living in town, however retiring proved difficult for Marvin as he was not one to stay idle. Listed below the obituary is an extensive list of some of the organizations that Marvin was associated with.
Marvin truly enjoyed his “retirement” work as the Director of the Friend Housing Authority (Friendship Terrace). He often said that it took him until the age of 70 to find his perfect job.
Together, Marvin and Kay enjoyed Southern Gospel Music and often traveled to enjoy concerts. They also traveled to attend auctions and functions of the RS Prussia Collectors and the Heartland RS Prussia Collectors and enjoyed many good times with their friends in these organizations.
Marvin is survived by his children and spouses, Paul and Sheri Kraus of Bennet and Kristin and Dwight Thronson, Mankato, Kansas; grandchildren and spouses, Tyler and Amy Nichols, Oklahoma City, Jake Lyman, Lincoln, Kelly and Andrew Bolin, Lincoln, Jordan Thronson, Katie Thronson, both of Mankato; great-grandchildren Maddison Wiles, Wyatt Bolin, Emmett Bolin and Lawrence Bolin, all of Lincoln as well as a host of other friends and relatives. Marvin was preceded in death by his dear wife, Kay, in 2017.
Organizations
Army National Guard, where Marvin served as a company clerk and worked specifically as a clerk in the base hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Marvin and Kay enjoyed this adventure prior to beginning life on the farm. They had an apartment in Colorado Springs where they hosted friends and played a lot of cards.
United Church of Christ Conference Officer
Friend Rotary Club
Western Fraternal Life Lodge
Orphan Grain Train
American Legion Post #183, Friend
Friend Grange
Friend Public Schools Board of Education
Masonic Lodge
Sesotris Shrine member
Sesotris Shrine Chanters and Clown Units
A Celebration of Life Service was April 25 at the Friend Congregational Church with inurnment at the Andrew Cemetery, Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for a future designation. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services, Friend.
