John Emil Kraus

John E. Kraus, age 65, passed away in his home in Visalia California surrounded by his family on April 21, 2018. He was born on September 28, 1953 in Oxnard, California to Edward K. Kraus and Jean D. Kraus (Doyle). He graduated from Redwood High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1973. He was later commissioned as an officer on June 8, 1976. In his lifetime, he earned many degrees including an AA in Sociology from College of Sequoias; BS in Environmental Studies from California State University, Fresno; MS in Human Resource from Golden Gate University and Ph.D. in Administration Management from Columbia University. He was also certified in the International Material Management Society.

During his over 20 years of military service as a Commanding Officer, Colonel Kraus received approximately 50 medals and ribbons for his service. Awards included Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal. Colonel Kraus was also the first USMC officer to be inducted into the Order of Saint Martin (Silver). In addition, he was the first USMC officer to complete the NATO Commanding Officer Training program. After retiring from USMC, he taught ROTC at Carvers Bay High School in Georgetown, South Carolina where he inspired the lives of over a thousand students.

Colonel Kraus was a devote Roman Catholic and active member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as Deputy Grand Knight for Georgetown, South Carolina. He was passionate about gardening and landscaping, archery, and fly fishing. He should be best remembered for his love of people, witty sense of humor, and commitment to helping those in need.

Colonel Kraus is preceded in death by his first wife Rhonda Kraus (Tannatt), brother (Edward) and parents (Edward and Jean). He is survived by his second wife, Pattie Kraus (Laconca) and his children (Jennifer Bennetts, Shane Kraus) and stepson (Marshall Perry) and five grandchildren (Cheyanne, Annalise, Jonathan, Roman, and Rebekah).

Family, friends, and others whose lives Colonel Kraus touched are invited to remember the incredible man he was at the visitation being held on Friday, May 4, 2018 from 3 – 6 p.m. with Rosary being held at 6 p.m. at Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Avenue in Visalia, CA. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church, 5049 W. Caldwell Ave., in Visalia on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA (559) 732-8371.