Florence Phyfer Krause

Florence was born on October 29, 1927, in New Albany, MS, the daughter of Lamar and Florence (Brunner) Phyfer who preceded her in death. She was united in marriage on October 19, 1946 in New Albany, MS to Irl Krause Jr who preceded her in death on November 8, 2008. Florence was a faithful member of St Alban’s Episcopal Church in Fulton, MO.

After completing her PhD from the University of Tennessee, Florence and her family moved to Fulton, MO, where she and her husband worked at William Woods University as professors. Florence taught and mentored countless students until her retirement in 2000. She continued an association with WWU for many more years, serving as marshal during graduation ceremonies. She was also an accomplished pianist, musician, artist and writer.

Her legacy is the lasting, positive influence she had on students, fellow academicians and friends. She surrounded herself with books and music and was always ready to share her knowledge and abilities. She always saw the positive side of any situation and preferred a smile to a scowl. But, make no mistake, she could do both. However, a bright smile always won out.

Survivors include: one son, Irl Krause III (Erlene) of Columbia, MO; one daughter, Macon Wurthmann (Henry) of St. Louis, MO; four grandchildren, Katie Abdoo (Sean), Nick Wurthmann (Julia), Helen Hendricks (Nathan) and Julia Kampert (Sam) and two great-grandchildren, Will Abdoo and Brie Abdoo. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Hal Phyfer.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Debo Funeral Home. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.