Ramona Krause

Ramona (Mona) Hamer Krause died on Friday, December 16, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Hospital after a very brief illness. She is with her God, the center of her life. She was born on September 12, 1928 as the youngest of 6 children to Stanley and Lucille (Moser) Hamer. She married Donald Krause on September 24, 1949 and had 4 children, Nancy, Tim, Julie and Rich.

Mona, losing her parents at a young age, was passionate about family. She organized many family reunions, with great games for the 31 cousins. Mona also used her creative talents with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and special events at St. Joe's. When Don died at 48, Mona found great solace in her grandchildren, taking them on adventures in area parks, always managing to get lost, while playing their favorite songs on the 8 track in her car. Each one of the kids got a special trip with Grandma for their 8th grade graduation. As the grandchildren married, she waited for her great grandchildren to come for holidays and her birthday. There are many pictures of GG (Great Grandma) in costume with the kids or organizing games in her backyard and basement. Her parish was central in her day to day life after retiring from Shannon Office Supply. She was a Sacristan, sang in the funeral choir and attended daily Mass.

She was an active member of The Third Order of St. Francis and enjoyed many friendships with those who knew the Lord, as she did. She took up public speaking in her 70's, promoting the File of Life program. And had a special ministry of taking Communion to the sick at St. Elizabeth Hospital and praying with them.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Bourassa and her children, Chris and Nicole Bourassa and their son, Connor, Sarah Bourassa and husband Frank Herd and Drew and Heidi Bourassa and their kids, Ali, Oliva and Emma; Tim and Kathy Krause, his children Dan and Michele Krause, their children Matthew and Madysen, Michael and Lindsey Krause, their children Peyton and Collin, Tony, David and Trevor; Julie and Dale Nemitz and son Aaron and wife Jessie; Richard and Nancy Jo Krause and children, Alyssa Whitlinger and her children, Rosie Jo and Nomie and Nick Krause; and special friend, Sarah Lynn Voet. She is further survived by her brother-in-law, David and his wife, Carolyn, sister-in-law Peg Hamer, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, his parents, Florence and Reinhold Krause, siblings and spouses, Virginia and Herman Dix, Belle and Larry Biechler, June and Larry Hebeler, Connie Hamer and Percy and Ralph DeDecker. She had also lost several nieces and nephews.

She has left us all with many wonderful memories and stories. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral liturgy for Mona will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 410 West Lawrence Street, Appleton, with Fr. Jim Leary officiating the service. There will be a time of visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Joe's Food Pantry.