Mary Lou Kraus

age 94, of Kimberly, passed away on Sunday, Aug 17, 2026, at her residence. She was born in Chicago, Illinois on Oct. 19, 1931, to the late Adolph and Dorothea (Stowell) Schey. Mary Lou married the love of her life, Edward J. Kraus Jr., on April 20, 1950. She worked as a bookkeeper for Hormel Foods Company for many years.

Mary Lou and Ed loved to travel in their RV taking many trips with no itinerary seeing many sights in the U.S. and Canada. They were long time residents of Shiocton where together they built their home. She loved mountains, the outdoors, art and painting. She spent many hours reading books, especially biographies. She was a tiny package with a quick wit, kind heart and powerful spirit.

Mary Lou is survived by her sons: Glenn (Lorna) Kraus and Michael (Karen) Kraus; her grandchildren: Glenn A. (Christina) Kraus, Camie Freeland, Vanessa Kraus and Brendan (Mandi) Kraus; her great grandchildren: Emma Kraus, and Marcus, Christopher, Deja Freeland, Owen Sultze and Bastain Young; a sister-in-law Joyce Schey and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ed and her brother, Lorenz Schey.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the caregivers at Helen's House and to St. Croix Hospice for their kindness and dedication shown to Mary Lou and her family. Their compassion brought us comfort during a difficult time.

A Funeral service for Mary Lou will be held at 11 AM, Friday, August 28, 2026, at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with John Sitcler officiating. Friends may visit the family beginning at 10 AM on Friday. Entombment will be at Historic Riverside Cemetery in Appleton.