Carol Lou Krause

Loving, positive, and strong, Carol Lou Krause lived a life rich in family and faith. Selfless and caring, Carol embraced each day with gratitude and generosity, welcoming both life’s joys and trials equally. She freely gave of her heart and was a gift to all who knew her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Carol’s unwavering devotion to those she loved will long live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Despite the obvious gloom the Great Depression, the power of hope undulated in the hearts of many. With a natural drive to not just endure but thrive in the face of uncertainty, the nation continued to put one foot in front of the other to build a better future. Nowhere was there more hope for the future than in Detroit, Michigan as Ernest and Cordelia Krueger welcomed their daughter Carol into their hearts and home on December 6, 1932.

Born in a time of struggle and having grown up in the wake of WWII, like many in her generation, Carol’s early years were firmly centered in the values of family and faith. While her father provided for the family through his work for Monroe County and working the family farm, her mother ran the home. Growing up in Detroit and Monroe, much of Carol’s youth was spent helping on the farm while her brothers, Richard and Ed, served in the war effort. She and her sisters, Arlene and Joanne, also learned the value of a hard day’s work, the fine art of homemaking, and the importance of being resourceful. Life was not all work for Carol, she loved spending nights at her grandmother’s, going to ten cent movies, and picking up sweets at the 1 cent candy stores.

While attending a church function, Carol was blessed to meet the love of her life, Wesley Krause. The two began dating and soon found their hearts set on spending the rest of their lives together. At 17, Carol and Wesley married and began their 68-year adventure together.

The newlyweds built their first home in Livonia where they lovingly raised their five children; Diane, Debbie, Darlene, Wesley Jr. and Donna. Carol relished in motherhood. She took great pride in creating a wonderful home for her family. With a heart that knew no bounds, Carol supported her children in all their endeavors. With signature love, care, and selflessness, she raised her children upon the firm foundation of unconditional love and undauntable faith.

With both grace and fortitude, Carol made her faith and her family her priority. She truly felt that any day spent in the good company of her family was a “Perfect Day.” Whether traveling to Monroe to visit her mother and sisters, enjoying an early morning breakfast on the deck, wandering the Farmers Market on the weekend, traveling to Traverse City and Muskegon, celebrating birthdays and holidays, making trips to the casinos with her daughters, or enjoying coffee and “girl talk,” Carol cherished each and every moment. Every day was a gift and each moment with her loved ones was priceless.

Carol’s grandchildren; Ryan, Justin, Kristen, Landon, Aaron, Bill, Abby, Lauren and Maranda, as well as her great-grandchildren; Raymond, Brooklyn, Mackenzie, Stevie were her heart’s delight. She was a wonderful grandmother whose love was not only abundant but also unwavering. In their grandmother’s eyes, each of them knew without a doubt that they were loved, valued, and her absolute favorite! And in each of their eyes, Carol saw the brightest spark of her beautiful legacy.

A woman who lived wholeheartedly, Carol had many interests. A charter member at Peace Lutheran Church, Carol was always ready to volunteer her time and talents. She loved gardening and tending to her beautiful yard, and her unrivaled cooking kept the family visiting. Her love infused Thanksgiving stuffing, chili sauce, cutout Christmas cookies, and rice pudding will long be missed. Carol loved watching scary and sci-fi movies, Rhapsody in Blue, playing the slots, working a good puzzle, and the delicious rewards of Sanders hot fudge cream puffs. She was fortunate to travel both near and far over her years. With her beloved at her side, many trips were taken to Oscoda to spend time with her brother. She also enjoyed trips to Chicago, Florida, and the Grand Canyon. Seeing the wonders of Alaska by cruise ship was a special adventure as was celebrating her 40th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. The greatest days of Carol’s life were the births of her five children.

Never one to “let the grass grow under her feet,” Carol could work circles around most anybody, and she was always up for a good time. She never turned down an invitation to any event. Rather, “I’d love to come” was her ready answer.

With an unwavering faith, Carol chose to concentrate on the good things in life even in the face of the darkest moments. Regardless of the day’s challenges, she loved freely, forgave wholly, welcomed all, remained humble, and continued to persist. Carol’s heart was a safe place for other’s to simply be and her efforts to live life in service of others were evident. She was the sole care provider for her husband the past eight years and truly embodied unconditional love and strength. In so doing, she showed us the beauty of marriage, proved a powerful inspiration to all who knew her, and was a hero to her children and grandchildren. While each daughter and grandchild was her favorite (just ask them), Carol was their hero!

Clearly, the world feels less certain in the absence of Carol’s steadfast presence. May it afford deep comfort to know that she fought the good fight in life and was welcomed with open arms by both our Savior and her son Wesley Jr. who has waited over 25 years in heaven to see his mom. May it also provide comfort to know that we carry the best of her legacy in each of our lives. With each cream puff we enjoy, celebration we share, slot we throw, and “I love you a bushel and a peck” we extend, we keep her spirit shining and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Carol Lou Krause, 85, passed away June 16, 2018. Loving wife of Wesley. Beloved mother of Diane Pitt, Debbie Lueker, Darlene (Bob) Greer, Donna Ferrell and Barb Rothfuss (adopted by love). Cherished grandmother of Ryan, Justin, Kristen, Landon, Aaron, Bill, Abby, Lauren and Maranda. Dearest great-grandmother of Raymond, Brooklyn, Mackenzie, Stevie, and Mia. Preceded in death by son Wesley H. Krause Jr. A visitation will be held on Tuesday 2-8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (Between Middlebelt and Merriman). A funeral service will be held on Wednesday 11:00 am/Instate 10:30 am until service begins at Peace Lutheran Church, 9415 Merriman Rd, Livonia.