Gerald H. Krause

Gerald Henry Krause passed away peacefully on November 4, 2020 after a lengthy illness.

He was born on March 1, 1943 to Ervin “Shorty” and Ella Mae Krause in Washington, Texas. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Gerald remained active in the church by ushering, serving as president of church council, and working on educational and financial committees.

Gerald attended Brenham High School where he was voted by his peers as most attractive sophomore favorite/president, football captain, ran track, was a National Honor Society member, an honor graduate, among other accolades. He continued his education by graduating from Blinn College and Sam Houston State University. He received his Master’s Degree in Education from Sam Houston, as well.

On January 25, 1964, Gerald married the love of his life, Dolly Luetge, at St. Paul’s. To this union came three sons: Kyle, Kris, and Koy. Gerald’s hobbies revolved around these three boys: coaching sports teams, boating and fishing on Lake Somerville, deer and dove hunting, and showing cattle in the fair. Gerald was always an avid hunter, being introduced to hunting at an early age by his Uncle Milton. After moving out to FM 2935, he greatly enjoyed raising cattle and took pride in many of his cattle being selected for the county fair. Riding his tractor, being outside, and looking after his place brought him so much joy. This joy was enhanced when grandchildren arrived and his pride would be evident in their many accomplishments that he shared in conversations. In addition, Gerald and Dolly owned and operated Krause Paint and Decorating. He worked there after his retirement. Here he got to spend more time with his wife and continued honing his social skills.

Gerald was a thinker and a leader. His main focus for thirty-six years was educating the students of this community. His passion for his job, his teachers, and his students is still evident by all who knew him. At a time where people are shouting kindness to all, he practiced it instead of just clamoring. His high expectations of his faculty and students inspired them to reach achievements that they didn’t know were possible. He acknowledged everyone with a greeting or a wave, whether he knew them or not. As a principal, he ran a tight ship but was fair to all, he was a strong disciplinarian, and while some may describe him as stubborn or hard-headed, Gerald would say he was just doing it the right way, which, of course, was his way. He served as a mentor to many of those getting into administration. The success of Brenham ISD, the teachers, and most of all, the students, was his priority and he worked hard to keep that the main focus of his career. Gerald was instrumental in designing and building Krause Elementary. Brenham ISD showed their appreciation for Gerald and other members of the Krause family by renaming Brenham Intermediate School to Krause Elementary School.

Surviving family members include his sons, Kyle and wife Jennie of Brenham, Kris and fiancée Dixie Willard of Cypress, Koy and wife Laura of Cypress; grandchildren Kaylin and Brandon Lawrence, Kullen Krause and Kallie Finke, Kade, Karson, Kole, and Ryder Krause; sister and brother-in-law Tudie and Earl Hathaway; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Bonnie and Elroy Wellmann, Robert and Glynelle Luetge; Aunts Nancy Krause and Mae Dufilho; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by: his wife Dolly, his parents Ervin and Ella Mae, mother-in law and father-in-law Dennis and Lula Luetge, brother-in-law Larry Luetge.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 10, from 7am to 8pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 11, at 2pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery. Live streaming will be available at www.stpaulsbrenham.org.

Pallbearers will include: Carl Prihoda, Daniel Shaw, Dennis Luetge, Mark Krause, Dean Luetge, Scott Luetge, and Troy Wellmann. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Brenham ISD Education Foundation at 2211 S. Day Street #330, Brenham, TX 77833.

Family requests masks and social distancing during visitation and funeral services.