Kenneth L. “Ken” Kraus, 96, Omaha, Nebraska, died Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in Omaha.
He was born February 8, 1925, in Hays, Kansas, to his proud parents, Carl and Sadie (Wilson) Kraus on a farm South of Hays. He graduated from Hays High School in 1943. On June 1, 1947, he was united in marriage to Dorothy “Dottie” Harris in Hays, and they celebrated 73 years of marriage. He was a farmer and dairymen for most of his life.
He was a Lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and served on many committees. He belonged to the Hays Lion’s Club and served as their Vice President and President. Ken served on the board of the Hays Farmers Co-op and was Chairmen of Epworth Towers a senior living apartment. He also served on the board of the Hays Plaza Apartments serving low-income families.
Ken has received many recognitions for a lifetime farming career. He was Chairman of the Ellis County Dairy Board and on the board of the Ellis County Dairy Herd Improvement. Ken was director of Southern Region Association Milk Producers, was elected to United Dairy Industry board of directors, and named to the Dairy Research Inc. Project Security Committee.
Award’s received during his lifetime as a dairyman were, the Balance Farming and Family for county and state, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Farmer award, and Ellis County Conversation award in addition to the Distinguished Dairyman award. In 1982, he was awarded the Kansas Master Farmer award. This same achievement was also given to his father, Carl, in 1928.
Survivors include his wife Dottie of Omaha, NE, a daughter: Pam (Gordon) Henrickson of Omaha, NE, a son: Steve (Pattie) Kraus of Atlanta, GA, two grandchildren: Aaron (Ruthie) Henrickson and Emily Kraus, a great grandchild: Nate Jarrow, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Eldon, John, Warren, and Harold, and his sister: Dorothy Bemis.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be at 10:00 am on Monday, March 1, 2021, at Hays First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Delbert Stanton officiating. Burial will follow in Fort Hays Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 10:00 on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made payable to: Hays First United Methodist Church for the children’s or youth ministry, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Ken may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com