I'm also a Librarian specializing in Government Information and that was how I got to know Peter.  He was a first rate man in every way, and when my wife and I were vacationing in Salt Lake City in July 2006,  he and his wife took us to a really nice Mexican restaurant for dinner.  I am very sad to hear of his death and extend my prayers  to his family and friends.

Peter contained multitudes. I first met Peter a year ago, one of my professors within the MPA program recommended that I reach out to Peter to get started on my research project. Upon meeting Peter, I could tell that he was a genuine and kind person. He helped me structure my research project and helped me get connected with other librarians within the U. What really cemented my belief that Peter was a kind soul  was the kindness that he showed when I told him about my dad's cancer diagnosis. I cannot recall how we got on the subject, but he listened with such care. I will never forget that conversation. He offered suggestions, connected me with a support group -- it was an entirely altruistic act. During our conversation, he said that what he values beyond his research is the well-being of his students and I believe that he meant that wholeheartedly. 

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peter’s recent death.  I remember him as always being outgoing, gregarious, friendly and eager to help all library patrons.  He had a great sense of humor and could converse on a wide range of subjects.  Peter was an excellent library colleague and will be missed.

Dear Kristin,

Peter as you know had an uncanny ability to make professional bonds personally enriching.  I met you two through an affinity group of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, at an exhibition of German expressionist painters.  This was when I was writing my book on the history of the University of Utah, spending a lot of time in the University Archives on Guardsman Way and far from the Marriott Library.  I didn't get to know Peter until after the book was published, and there we discovered our mutual interests in further education in England, the history of American higher education, and the integral role of libraries in their communities.  He promised me a tour of the New York Public Library which I regret never taking.
A few years ago you two shared Easter brunch with my family.  This Easter I am writing a short paper on the academic freedom controversy at the University of Utah in 1915 which resulted in the first investigation of the American Association of University Professors.  I'd love to look at his file on that topic someday.  Perhaps I can finish the manuscript we promised each other we'd write.
I'll miss hearing about your tailgates, your travels, and Peter's love for you Kristin.  I wish you peace, and Peter: Godspeed.

With great fondness, sorrow, and gratitude,  Anne Palmer

Kristin,
I want to tell you how much I love Peter. Our paths crossed about 12 years ago and we built a proverbial bridge between the U of U and Utah Valley University. He was always so supportive. He introduced me to the publishing world at the U and he was a most able navigator of that world. Lunch and getting the latest from Peter was always a joy. He was very supportive of the work I did at UVU. You and I met on a number of occasions several years ago and you and Peter certainly exemplify a happy couple. Katie and I looked forward to receiving your Christmas card each year. Thanks for your example of love and devotion to each other.
Blessings to you at this difficult time of mourning. May the choicest comforts imaginable be poured down upon you in abundance.
With Love,
Blair Van Dyke

I started working at the Marriott library about two and a half years ago and when I first met Peter, he already had taken time to learn about my professional background.  It felt like we had already met. I was so impressed that he took the time to do that. I always enjoyed running into him and we'd often talk about travel, especially to England. Peter always made time to talk and was genuine. My sincerest condolences to the Kraus family. Peter will be truly missed. 

Peter was a good friend to me and to my family. He was one of my library colleagues about whom my wife would regularly ask, because he had reached out to her with gracious friendliness from the first moment we arrived at the University of Utah. She and I will miss him greatly. It makes me sad to think that I'll never look up from my desk again to see him standing in my office doorway, ready to tell me a story.

Kristin and the rest of the Kraus family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Peter is one of the only people I know who could give me an answer or opinion about anything. I fondly remember many times being stopped in the parking lot to talk to Peter about how my day went and the latest story of the day. He was always someone I could count on and I feel honored to have known him. Miss you, Peter. 

Peter was kind and generous. I met him when I was doing research for my dissertation and he became a reliable resource who seemed to possess magical librarian powers to track down whatever obscure government document I threw at him. We have been friends ever since. He was always so pleasant to run into at the library and always so helpful. On March 22 he reached out to me with a simple message, "you ok?" He was checking in on me and my family but also wanted to know if I needed anything for the transition to online teaching. I had no idea that would be my last exchange with him, but it clearly exemplifies his caring soul. I am convinced that librarians are the the unicorns of knowledge who make the world go round. Peter was chief among them. Rest in peace, my friend. 

I am truly sorry to hear of Peter's passing. While he had shared with me some of his health troubles over the past months, he always put a positive face on it and I had the utmost faith he would pull through. He has always been kind to me and been generous with his wealth of expertise and knowledge; both of us lived for some years in NYC and we would reminisce over shared memories. We also bonded over a love of football and the Utes and he had promised me sometime when he was feeling better that he would have me and my partner over for dinner -- that's the kind of generosity Peter would share even with those he didn't know that well. Kristin -- I met you very briefly, only once at a Ski Affair, but Peter talked of you so, so often, and it was plain to me how much he adored you and enjoyed your travels and time together. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you comfort during this time. 

Peter and I met our first day on the U campus in 1999. We sat next to each other at new faculty orientation. I believe we shared quarterly breakfast since that day. He was an invaluable friend that provided me advice when most needed and encouragement when none could be found. I have been heartsick at Peter's passing. Kristin, my sincerest condolences to you. I cannot imagine the grief you must feel. My enduring memories of Peter will be his enthusiastic grin and affable nature. I miss him.

Peter was a wonderful resource for so many of my students. I always recommended them to seek him out. Peter impressed them on  his ability to listen to their topics and his willingness to relentlessly point them to the right sources. I relied on Peter's outgoing personality and his remarkable research abilities to get these students to write wonderful papers. I also relied on him (and he never said no!) to speak to Fulbright applicants about their research statements. But Peter also was an endearing story teller with great wit and a breadth of diverse interests. To his family, I am so sorry for his early passing. I will miss him.

Peter was always a bright light in the library. It seemed like every time I saw him he had a fun story to share. And he was so helpful too! I especially enjoyed his presentation on how to find college scholarships, as it helped both our students and members of the community.  But his stories of adventures with his beloved wife Kristin are what I remember most distinctly about Peter. We will all miss him deeply.  

I am very shocked and saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was always friendly and a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences.

I believe I first met Peter when he was a graduate student in the Florida State University School of Library Science; I was director of the Florida State University College of Law Library.

During academic year 1992-93 Peter worked as a part time student assistant at the circulation desk of the Florida State University College of Law Library.    His presence was especially appreciated on Sunday evenings when no full time staff were present

In my office quite late one Sunday night, Peter came to my aid because my German was insufficient to make a viva voce hotel reservation in Nuremberg, Germany.   Peter's mother was German born.   My wife, our daughter and I wanted to see the Christmas Market in Nuremberg after our daughter completed  her fall Bates College sophomore term in Berlin. 

Throughout that year Peter and I shared many Sunday evenings kibitzing about FSU, Deutschland and his plans after earning his M.S.

Vielen Dank, Lieber Peter.

May the Angels take you to Paradise. 

Edwin M. Schroeder
Professor of Law and Director Emeritus
The Florida State University College of Law
eschroed@law.fsu.edu

Like so many others, I am deeply saddened to hear of Peter's passing. What a generous and caring person!  He was a consummate professional, but also so personable and accommodating.  I will never forget how helpful he was to our Chinese executive cohorts in preparing them to conduct good research for their papers. He bent over backwards to help all our MPA students, and I am ever in his debt for that. We will also miss his warm and engaging manner. I always looked forward to talking and consulting with Peter. So with a sad heart, I send my sincerest condolences to his wife and extended family. 

Rick Green

The two years I've known Peter feel shorter than ever today. We met shortly after I moved to Utah, and he was among the most engaging and genuine colleagues I've had the pleasure of knowing. He was the unusual individual whose depth of intellect was matched by his earnest investment in the people around him. His insight and encouragement for my research helped me through some difficult puzzles, and I will greatly miss our conversations on art and history, our banter about escaping from New York, and our shared admiration for our respective spouses. I feel fortunate to have known someone as unfailingly astute as he was kind.

I was deeply saddened to hear about Peter's passing--far too soon! Peter was such a generous person, helping me with research and always ready to help the students in my courses.  And I could count on him for a delightful tale, particularly about his travels. He will be sorely missed.

It's hard to imagine the library without Peter. He was on my search committee and picked me up from the airport the first time I stepped foot in Utah for my job interview. He and Kristin made me feel so welcome here, inviting me for holiday meals when I couldn't be with family and having animated conversations about everything from our latest travel plans to our favorite new breweries in town. It was easy to see that Peter genuinely enjoyed connecting with people and he always had a word of encouragement to offer. He'll be sorely missed.

Peter was a great man.  He embraced every aspect of life and culture, particularly what was once referred to as high culture.  Peter exemplified Castiglione's "ideal courtier"--one who pursued classical studies of history, the arts, elocution, and even the warrior spirit (Peter was in ROTC during his college years).   A classical music aficionado, there were many occasions where I visited with Peter and his lovely wife during intermission at Utah Symphony performances.  He also sought ways to engage in the public realm, investing time and resources in a campaign for a seat in the state legislature.  I still have the campaign lawn sign that Peter asked me to put up in my yard, and I will always retain that in memory of him.  Peter was also a man of faith and there were occasions where I would see him in the pews at a local Episcopal church.  I will miss Peter, his presence, his voice, his words, his kindness and generosity.    His was a life far too short in years, but a life so very well lived.  I will miss you, Peter.  I offer my prayers and condolensces to his family.  Pax tibi.  --Chris Simon

Peter was a long-time colleague and friend. I always enjoyed talking with Peter about a whole range of topics, but we bonded over talking politics. Peter truly was a people person and he will be missed. 

I got to know Peter when he first moved to Utah from New York as young librarian. I shared a lot of good times with him over the years. He had a capacity for joy and exuberance, a lively sense of humor, and a thoughtfulness and compassion that made him an engaging and endearing friend. My condolences to Kristin and his family. I will miss Peter. 

Peter was the rare colleague who not only knew that I had three kids, he knew their names, ages, what schools they attend, and what activities they are involved in. Peter had the rare gift of being genuinely interested in people and wanting to know what they cared about and what made them tick. He had a joy about him and a lust for life that was apparent in his love of libraries, a quality scotch, Utah football, politics, history, and his visible adoration for his wife. I'll never forget when he lit up telling me the story of how they met and how, when you meet a girl like Kristin, you don't let her get away.  Even my husband, who didn't know Peter personally, enjoyed friendly Facebook banter with him about politics and football. Peter was a light in the Salt Lake and library community who will be missed but not forgotten.  

I am so saddened to hear of Peter’s passing. I will miss our chance conversations where we would share ideas and reflections about librarianship; or stories from our travels. “Where are you going to next?” He would always ask.  Then he would tell me the places he and Kristin planned to visit. Peter was a generous listener. He made me feel (and I am sure others will agree) that he was sincerely interested in what you had to say, whether or not he was in agreement. He was a great and passionate advocate for the university libraries, especially the time he would spend on the hill during the legislative budget sessions. I admired his indefatigable enthusiasm. And, one last thing, the way he spoke of his wife, always with great respect and appreciation, what a wonderful and thoughtful husband he must have been. My heart is breaking for you, Kristin. Peter was a gentleman and a fine human being. Sending love and well wishes to you and yours.

Peter will be so missed in the library community. His enthusiasm was boundaryless. The first time we talked was when he introduced himself at a Utah Library Association conference. The year prior, I had organized a yoga program at the conference, and he wanted to tell me how much he had enjoyed it. After that, we always caught up with each other at conferences and campus meetings - even at the grocery store. He enjoyed talking about librarianship, about health care - you name it! It was always a pleasure to have a conversation with Peter.  My sincere condolences to Kristin and his family.

From the start, Peter was gregarious and an ambitious colleague. When I first got to the library and ran the Technology Assisted Curriculum Center Peter was quick to come by to offer his services. He ended up teaching grant writing for us, filling a need we didn't know we had!

I know he made huge contributions to a relatively new area of librarianship--Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

I left Utah 5 years ago, but Peter was sure to keep in touch, especially in the last few months when my mother was in hospice. He was a good man, and a good friend. 

I first met Peter about 15 years ago on the bus. He was commuting to his job as a librarian at the Marriott library at the University of Utah and I was commuting to my job as a project coordinator at the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  There I was, a stranger sitting in a suit on the bus and he hopped on, sat down near me and explained to me that he had picked the wrong week to stop smoking.  We had a delightful conversation and he immediately worked his way into my heart.  I looked forward to seeing him on the bus and our conversations as we commuted  to work.  Before long he and Kristin were having me and my family over for brats and a very special friendship developed.  I miss him. I will miss our conversations. I will miss his genuine concern for me and my family. I express my sincere sorrow and condolences to Kristen, his family, students and other friends. I know they  will miss him greatly too.  I will always admire his ability to respect everybody’s opinions, religious  or political views even if they differed from his.  And I will remember the courage he showed when kicking the habit that was the subject of our first conversation.

I was shocked and saddened to hear that Peter had passed...he was larger than life and I so much enjoyed all the time I got to spend with him over the years.   He and Kristin visited me in Abu Dhabi and we had such a fun day connecting as I showed them around my adopted home.   He commanded a room when he walked in and he had a great way of connecting with people.  I  will miss him.

I'm so, so sorry to learn that Peter has passed away. Like Kate said, Peter had the ability to really connect with people with ease and authenticity. Every time I saw him, without fail, he would ask about my little one, and he always remembered the stories that I shared with him. We couldn't have been more different personalities, but, in my early days at the library, Peter made a point to reach out to me and make me feel welcome, to let me know that I belonged. I will miss talking with Peter, his sense of humor, and the warmth that he brought to the library. Sending love to his family and friends. 

Peter was a great friend and colleague.  He was always ready to help with research but more than that became a wonderful friend.  He loved politics (including the politics of higher education) and was a passionate advocate for higher education.  I will very much miss our discussions and his enthusiasm for life.

Lori joins me in extending our love and sympathy to Kristen.


I've met people in my life who have a secret superpower, and Peter Kraus was one of them. He could meet you at a conference, and then run into you 6 years later and he would remember your name, where you had worked when he met you, who your boss was, and if you were married. He was a wonderful person to  attend a professional conference with because he could make so many introductions. I worked with Peter at the U for 13 years, and I saw his ability to remember people over and over again. It's one of the first things that comes to mind whenever I think of people.

I am at such a loss for words, Peter was one of the nicest and genuinely good people I have had the pleasure of knowing. He was always cheerful and full of light and constantly tried to bring people together. Whether it was at work, on campus with students, or at football games with friends, he always made sure that everyone was taken care of and happy. I am so fortunate to have had him as a colleague and especially as a friend. He will be greatly missed, as we were so very lucky to have him in our lives. 

 Peter was an intelligent and kind coworker.   I always enjoyed talking with him.  I'm saddened that he won't be there to help the students at the U anymore.  

Please know that Peter will be missed. I recall often talking with him about innovation and his passion for helping the Business School be a productive part of the University of Utah. He cared about his profession, and he was respected for his knowledge which he gladly shared with others. Know Mark and I are thinking of you and your families during this time of tremendous loss. Cherish your wonderful memories!

Jean & Mark Shipman

If you knew Peter, you knew he was one of a kind.  From the moment I met him after he started working at Marriott Library we had long conservations almost every time we ran into each other on campus. He had a huge social network and pretty much knew everything that was happening on campus. 

He truly did care about people and the world around him. I always enjoyed talking with him on so many different topics and will miss him very much.  My sincere condolences to Kristin and his family.

I was saddened when I heard Peter had passed away.  Working with Peter was interesting because of his knowledge and insight.  I will miss him.  
Best wishes to his family.
Carrie Brooks

Peter was a friend and a mentor.  I met him when he gave me my first job in a library.  While I was hired as copy cataloger, Peter went out of his way to get me teaching, researching, and more involved in the life and work of the library.  He was always introducing me to new people and pushing me to take on new challenges.  And of course the detailed conversations about his beloved FSU Seminoles.  He will be missed. 

Peter was a wonderful man, a true presence who always lifted my spirit when I was in his company, either in person or remotely.  He repeatedly demonstrated a genuine concern and interest in the lives of many that he interacted with,  the world is diminished because of his absence.  I hope and pray that Kristin can find comfort at this time.  Much love the Paustenbaugh's

Peter was a wonderful colleague and friend.  He cared deeply about the U and libraries, and was always going above and beyond to help others.  He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Peter was a good man. He cared deeply for the students he served and the colleagues he worked with. He blessed our lives in countless ways and left the world a better place. He will be deeply missed. 

Kristin, we love you and mourn with you in your tremendous loss. We were all made better for having Peter in our lives. 

Much love, Natalie, Julian, Gavin, and Sophia Tippets

OBITUARY

Peter Leo Kraus

June 18, 1968 – April 5, 2020

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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