William "Bill" John Krauter

William J. Krauter "Bill" was born on August 11th 1949 to Edward and Martha Krauter. He had an older brother Kenneth W. Krauter who passed away in 2012. Bill grew up in a house built by his father, Grandfather, and Uncle in Wheat Ridge Colorado. He went to Wheat Ridge High School.

In 1969 Bill joined the army, and became a medic. He was deployed to Vietnam and served from May 1969 - May 1970. A Bronze Star was awarded SP5 Krauter for meritorious service in the republic of Vietnam from May 13th 1969 - May 10th 1970.

In 1974 He acquired a job at Ball Metal Corp. And started a career as a factory machine maintainer and maintenance technician.

In 1978 his nephew Jason Krauter was born to Kenneth and Patricia Krauter. He was an outstanding uncle. Although he never married and chose to be a bachelor, Bill was a true family man at heart. He was always helping his Brother Ken and Sister-in-law Pat when things came up. And always made sure to go out of his way cooking and making the very best of the holidays. He was a wonderful neighbor as well. When it would snow he shoveled his neighbors sidewalks and sometimes driveways if need be. Helping them with yard work, helping fix things around their houses. Giving away canned green beans and pickles that he jarred himself.

Bill also enjoyed gardening. He learned how to garden from his parents Ed and Martha Krauter, as well as his Uncle Bill Krauter.

Through the late 70s 80s and early 90s, Bill raised and showed Shelties. He traveled to various dog shows, and had dogs his entire life up until 2015. He was a true animal lover.

In 2011 Bill decided to retire from Ball Metal Corp. During retirement he was always there to lend a helping hand to his brother Ken who had been diagnosed with COPD 4 years prior. His sister-in-law Pat had become ill and was in a long-term care facility. He was always helping, taking food up to Pat, taking Ken to doctors appointments. He purchased a home generator for Ken and Pat so they could feel safe in their home if the electricity failed. He brought food and goods to his sister-in-law Pat, so she would feel as comfortable as possible.

In 2012 Ken became ill and had to enter hospice. Bill was always there to help, Ken passed away November 25th 2012. Pat was still in a long-term care facility and Jason had inherited his parents house. Bill was there to help guide Jason through the process never asking anything for himself. Still helping Pat in every way possible. In 2015 Pat was able to come home after four years in a long-term care facility. Bill was there to help get the house ready, help Jason with paperwork and all the necessities. Pat came home and Bill Pat and Jason continued to get together for the holidays. Pat passed away in 2017.

Bill and Jason were very close and spend every holiday together, at least once a week Bill and Jason would to get together and have dinner. But it was evident that bills Health was declining, Bill always stayed positive , and kept trying new things to stay healthy. He was a regular at the gym, and took morning walks at a local park. He was well-known at the local grocery store in the local fresh fruit market. He grew his own green beans and swiss chard, squash and tomatoes.

In January 2019 bill was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in his spine and back muscle, a very rare form of cancer. After major surgery to remove some of the tumor and repair his lower vertebrae he went to a nursing / rehab center in Arvada, and fought hard working physical therapy and never gave up. Despite giving it his all and remaining positive, the cancer and other complications were too advanced. Uncle Bill lost his battle with cancer on June 2nd 2019.

My Uncle Bill never lost faith, he never gave up, he told the doctor straight to the faces that he disagreed with their diagnosis and he did not believe that he needed hospice and he was going to get home. I admire Uncle Bill. Through the face of adversity he continued to maintain a positive attitude and faith that he would someday get to go home.

You’re home now Uncle Bill. Take care, I'll see you in another lifetime.

Love Jason.