Robert “Bob” Eugene Krause, 90, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by his children, at StoryPoint Urbandale assisted living facility.
Bob was born March 8, 1935, to August Albert “Ollie” and Mary Margaret (Lederman) Krause. He attended school in Brodhead, Wisconsin, and then served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. Following his service, he attended and graduated from Wisconsin State College, Whitewater and married Kathryn Joy Schmerse. Together they had two girls, Jayne and JoEllyn. Sadly, Kathryn passed away unexpectedly in 1967. Later, Bob met Ann Marie (Angle) Slaikeu, who had four children, and they happily blended their families in 1968 and were married for 53 years. Bob spent his working career in the insurance industry.
Bob’s family best remembers his love of family, his calm demeanor, and his sense of humor. Oh, how he loved to laugh. He loved bird watching, gardening, and fishing, including teaching his grandchildren how to fish. A favorite memory is of annual family canoe trips down the Sugar River in Brodhead. After all the kids left home, he loved traveling with Ann. They were lucky enough to spend time in Grand Isle, LA, during the migration of birds from South America. Bob was proud of his self-built bars in the basements of their homes and the myriad of beer lights that adorned the walls. The family parties were the best, and they continued until the end.
Bob is survived by his children Becky (Mark) Etchen, Deb (Steve) Morgenstern, Sarah (Dave) Morgan, Bill (Jill) Slaikeu, Jayne (Scott) Hezner, and JoEllyn (Greg) Witke, 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, two brothers, Walter and Ivan, his sister Sylvia, and his granddaughter Laura.
The family wishes to make special note of the loving care provided by the teams at StoryPoint and Hospice of the Midwest. They made such a difference in Bob’s life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct 18 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St., West Des Moines, Iowa, followed by a time to chat over cookies and coffee.
If you wish to make a donation in Bob’s name, please direct it to Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 862, Des Moines, IA 50304 or via their website https://www.hopeiowa.org.
A memorial service will be held at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary, located at 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50265, on October 18, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.
A graveside service will follow at the same location on October 18, 2025, from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
