Wesley Krause

Wesley was born on September 25, 1926 in the small town of New Boston, Michigan to Emma and David Krause. Wesley (Wes to his family and friends) spent his childhood growing up in Waltz, Michigan with his older sister, Rena. His mother was a homemaker and his dad worked for Ford Motor Company. While most families suffered financially during the Great Depression, Wes was blessed to belong to a family where his dad was always employed. The small town of Waltz was also filled with relatives who served as an extended family and his best friends. The strength and importance of family were rooted in him at an early age.

Wesley’s childhood was spent helping his mother in the family garden and selling eggs out of the family “chicken coop”. Years later this ‘chicken coop” would be one of the favorite memories of his own children. Wesley’s childhood included potluck dinners at the Lutheran church, fishing in the nearby creek, playing with his pet raccoon, learning to hunt pheasant, squirrel and rabbits with his dad, and spending most evenings at the ball diamond – where his love for sports began.

Wesley’s high school years can be summed up in one word- Sports. He played all sports and was MVP in baseball, basketball and football. His love of sports extended throughout his life. At the age of 93 he still waited to anxiously watch the Michigan football game while wearing one of his U of M football sweatshirts.

Upon graduating from high school with World War II underway, Wes joined the Navy in November of 1944. He was deployed into the Pacific on the newly christened ship, the USS Macon. While in the Navy, Wes once again played baseball for the Navy team and was able to see some parts of the world outside of the small town where he had spent his entire life. In a letter dated April, 14, 1945 Wes wrote to his mom and dad- “The war has been over now for 50 minutes. Never have I heard a noise in all my life- Everyone is making so much noise that the whole earth seemed to rock. This is one of the happiest days of my life. Thank God for the protection that he has given me and all the boys in the service”. What more can be said.

Shortly after returning home from the service, Wes met the love of his life, Carol Krueger, his “pretty girl” as he would affectionately call her for the next 68 years. They married shortly after and built their first home in Livonia where they welcomed their 5 children; Diane, Debbie, Darlene, Wesley Jr. and Donna. Family was always the top priority to Wes and Carol as they sacrificed to put all five children through Christian grade school and high school and also college. Wes worked most of his adult life for GM in plant security. Every minute outside of work was spent with family- family vacations in Oscoda or Houghton Lake, trips to the zoo, Boblo Island, the Rotunda at Christmas, sledding down Deadman’s Hill, fishing , Sunday dinners at great grandma’s house, Cloverdale ice cream cones, hitting softballs or baseballs for hours at the school field- Wes was truly part of his kid’s lives. Until the week he died we would ask him “Dad, who is your favorite?” to which he would always respond- “I have no favorites- I love you all”.

Wes was also blessed with 9 grandchildren; Ryan, Justin, Kristen, Landon, Aaron, Bill, Abby, Lauren and Maranda as well as his great-grandchildren; Raymond, Brooklyn, MacKenzie, Stevie, Dalton, Isabella and “soon to be” baby girl Pitt Marcos. Fond memories shared by the grandchildren include: walking the railroad tracks at great grandpa's and putting pennies on the tracks for the trains to run over, fishing in the creek, playing beauty shop with the granddaughters, wiffle ball, camping with the wonderful campfires at night, walking in the woods and just talking. Wes attended every basketball, baseball or football game possible for the grandchildren; including multiple games on some days. He was their biggest fan. Grandpa always had words of advice on “what to do better". Seeing the great grandkids always put a smile on his face as he would always comment “what a cutie”.

Wes loved the simple things in life and enjoyed them all. He and Carol built a new home in Livonia where countless family parties were hosted. An avid reader, Wes could read his paper or favorite book while relaxing on the back deck. He loved all kids and even volunteered as a school greeter and in the school nursery for years at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. He became “Grandpa Krause” to so many children. Wes loved the outdoors whether camping, fishing or just walking in nature for hours. Special trips included the 40th anniversary Hawaii vacation, an Alaskan cruise, several Caribbean cruises, the Grand Canyon, Chicago, and numerous trips to Traverse City and Oscoda. It didn’t matter where he went as long as he was with his “pretty girl”. Blueberry pie, pecan pie, Sanders hot fudge sundaes- anything sweet was his favorite. There was always room for dessert. Later in life, Wes and Carol had Barb enter their lives, who soon fit right into the family becoming “adopted by love” into everyone’s life.

After a serious illness, Wes became confined to a wheelchair for the last years of his life. Carol took exceptional care of him and was truly the biggest blessing in his life. Rain, snow or shine Wes was included in every family event possible even if it took 4 of us to do it! After the death of his beloved wife, Wes spent the last year of his life in a small group home where he made new friends and was blessed by the wonderful caregivers. It was often commented that Wes was always positive and was thankful for anything done for him. He spent a lot of time reminiscing about the wonderful life he lived. Rarely did a day go by that he wasn’t visited by at least one of his children or grandchildren. He was so loved.

Wes passed away on February 14, 2020- Valentine’s Day. He was welcomed into the loving arms of our Savior, his loving wife Carol, and son Wesley Jr., who had waited over 25 years in heaven to see his dad. Wes was once again able to spend Valentine’s Day with his “pretty girl”. We always told dad we would have a huge family reunion in heaven someday.

Loving husband of Carol (preceded in death). Beloved father of Diane (Steve-preceded in death) Pitt, Debbie Lueker, Darlene (Bob) Greer, Wesley Jr. (preceded in death) and Donna Ferrell. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Justin, Kristen, Landon, Aaron, Bill, Abby, Lauren, and Maranda. Dearest great-grandfather of Raymond, Brooklyn, Mackenzie, Stevie, Dalton, Isabella and soon to be baby Pitt Marcos.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 17th, 2020 from 3-9 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home 30200 Five Mile (between Middlebelt and Merriman). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 18th, 2020 at Peace Lutheran Church, 9415 Merriman Road, Livonia. Instate 10:30 am until the service begins at 11:00 am.