On Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 5:10 pm, Delphine Mae Krause earned her angel wings and left this earthly struggle to rejoin her treasured husband and partner in life, Alonzo L. Krause. She began her journey on February 28, 1927. Del and her twin sister, Josephine (Jody), were born at the DeTar Hospital in Victoria, the first set of twins at DeTar. They were the last in a long line of children born to Annie Minnie Angerstein Striedel and Mike Nelson Striedel. Fourteen in fact. Incredibly, nearly all lived well into their nineties. We always said they came from “good stock”. Their father died unexpectedly and sadly at a young age and their mother was just 39 years old, left with fourteen mouths to feed.
When Del began looking around for a suitable mate, she had to look no further than in her own hometown. Alonzo L. (Al) Krause was movie-star handsome and about the nicest guy you’d ever meet. He was born in Victoria Hospital on Dec 15, 1924. They married on May 5, 1946 and he worked for Scurlock which became Mound and then Monsanto as a Gauger. Del was a fastidious housekeeper. She and Al were faithful, longtime members of First English Lutheran Church in Victoria, until the 1990’s when they joined Our Savior’s Lutheran. Del hosted countless Circle meetings in their home. She never met a stranger and had hundreds and hundreds of friends. When her children were older, Del went to work outside their home. For many years, she worked for Mrs.Young at Victoria Cleaners at the front desk. She and Mrs. Young became dear friends. After that, Del worked for Region III Education Service Center head of the Media Library and retired after many years of service. She made even more friends at Region III. She, like all her sisters and brothers, were never afraid of hard work, and were fiercely devoted to their families. Del and Al shared a full and rewarding life together, and both knew they were blessed beyond measure. They found joy in the beautiful routine of daily life. They spent many happy days and nights at the K7 Ranch enjoying the country and quiet life there. Al loved to hunt, and passed that along to Robert, who in turn shared it with his sons and now, granddaughter Evy.
Del was known as ‘The Best Dancer in Victoria County” by those who danced in the Halls of Schroeder, Raisin, DaCosta, Placedo, Bridge Inn and Club Reno. She once won a $50 Savings Bond for doing the Jitterbug in a dance contest. They remained head-over-heels in love with each other, and danced many, many miles together to many Glenn Miller tunes such as In the Mood and Sentimental Journey. They were truly a match made in heaven.
In 2002 following a series of debilitating strokes, Al became dependent on Del for all the care, love, and patience he needed. She was extremely protective of him, and was constantly by his side. Then in Sept 2012 God called Al home, and Del was grief-stricken. She was lost for a while, without her life partner alongside her. But Del was a collector of friends. She had the gift of gab, and would tell her family that she “loved everybody”. It was true. She flourished and bloomed in the company of others, whether playing cards or dominos, doing church activities, or getting together over a cup of coffee (black, two sweeteners and a cube of ice please … her lifelong choice). After she got back on her feet following the loss of the light of her life, Del spent time with her children, grandchildren, and greats. She would get on a plane by herself and make her way to Virginia and back to visit Debbie and her family there, and travel to Katy to stay with Robert and his family. Before entering the hospital for the last time, Del still drove herself to church, the pharmacy, and the grocery store. She was loved by everyone who knew her, and we will all miss her terribly.
Del is survived by her immediate family: daughter Debra Kay Krause Skewes and son Robert Michael Krause, along with their families: Son-in-law David Skewes, grandson Drew Skewes, granddaughter Angi Welker Simpkins and her husband Dwayne, great-grandsons Trevor and Ty Simpkins, daughter-in-law Kathy Krause, grandsons Mike Krause and Jeff Krause and his wife Amber and great granddaughter Everleigh Krause and great grandson Cole Krause. She so loved her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She leaves to mourn her loss her twin sister, Josephine Schultz, along with dozens of extended family members (her nieces and nephews, all children of her large family of thirteen siblings). A lifelong resident of Victoria, she made and kept innumerable friends along the way, including neighbors and many, many church friends. Del was especially close to her niece, Josie Berger and friend Brenda Helweg, whom she thought of as daughters.
The family will greet friends from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm with the Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Colonial Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Those honored to carry her casket to her resting place are Mike Krause, Mike Berger, Brett Ckodre, Jeff Krause, Tony Gonzales and Russell Pruitt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Del Krause to your favorite charity.
