Gerald M. Kraai

Gerald M. Kraai, a partner with Lathrop & Gage law firm, died April 1, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri. He was born March 6, 1942 in Orange City, Iowa to Merlyn and Gertrude (Brink) Kraai. He was raised in Orange City and educated in Maurice-Orange City public schools, then received a combined degree in mechanical and industrial engineering B.S.I.E. from the University of Iowa and a Juris Doctor degree from the Iowa Law School. He joined a Sioux City law firm and immediately became an active trial lawyer, litigating a wide variety of civil lawsuits for individuals and firms in State and Federal Courts. In 1981, Kraai joined a Kansas City law firm and continued using his litigation skills while developing as an intellectual property specialist. He became recognized as an expert in copyright, trademark, and patent business and trial solutions. As a trial and appellate lawyer, he tried over 60 jury cases and was involved in state or federal court litigation in 19 states. He has negotiated and prepared intellectual property licenses and agreements in the United States and abroad. He has also been heavily involved in new product design and infringement avoidance. Before joining Lathrop & Gage, he managed the intellectual property of Litman, Kraai & Brown in Kansas City and Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy in Kansas City. His court memberships include Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, U.S. for the Seventh Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, W.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He has in all respects been a “Super Lawyer”.

He was also a loving father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn, of 51 years; three sons and their wives, Robert and Catherine Kraai, Steven and Katherine Kraai, William and Kerstin Kraai, a daughter and her husband, Kerry and Shawn Lansing; twelve grandchildren and one great-grandson; a brother, Dan Kraai of Orange City, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Jennifer Kraai.

His visitation will be 6 to 8pm, Monday, April 4th 2016 at Mcgilley & Hoge Memorial Chapel. His memorial service will be held 3:30pm, Tuesday, April 5th at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd. Prairie Village, KS 66208. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com. Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.