Wilber M. Krause

Wilber, our beloved father, was also a grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. He was 95 when he passed away peacefully into God's waiting arms on October 28th, 2013. Wilber came into this world in Hope, Kansas on January 6th, 1918. He was the eldest child of four, born to Charley and Magdalena (Fick) Krause. In his early years he worked on his family's 240 acre farm. As a young child he helped tend to the farm animals and at age 9 drove his father's tractor, plowing the fields. He rode his pony to the Lutheran church to attend catechism. He reaffirmed his faith in later life.

At age 16, he traveled in a 1930 Ford convertible with a friend to neighboring states to help harvest crops. As a young man he maintained his airplane pilot license. Aviation interested him throughout his life. He loved his cars, especially his 1958 Mercury. Dad was easy going and hard working. He was intelligent and known for his fun sense of humor. He could fix anything – a true handyman. Wilber was dedicated to his family and provided a wonderful life for them. He loved retirement and stayed busy during his later years.

Wilber was blessed to meet the love of his life, Donita (Baker), at a dance in Enterprise, Kansas. Shortly thereafter, his career took him to Los Angeles, CA to begin working for North American Aviation. In 1941, Donita traveled to California and they were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 13th, 1941. In the early years of their marriage, Wilber served in the Army Tank Corp. Later, they settled in the South Bay area of Southern California to begin their family and raised 5 children. They shared nearly 65 years of marriage together. Through their children the family blossomed to include 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Wilber and Donita loved to travel. At first they went camping by tent and later toured the US, Mexico, and Canada in their motorhome. They also traveled to Hawaii as a 50th wedding anniversary gift from their children.

Wilber is survived by his loving children and spouses: Carroll Krause, Joan McCarthy, Darrell & Patricia Krause, Gerald & Pamela Krause, Anita & Brad Schulz. Grandpa held a special place in the hearts of his 12 grandchildren (and spouses) and is survived by 11 of them: Dana (David), Gregory, Kristin (Samuel), Nova (Abdallah), Aaron, Emily, Brandon (Nadia), Kirk, Austin, Jason and Heather. In addition, nine great-grandchildren: Westley, Garrett, Brandon, Preston, Timothy, Rachel, Hannah, Paige and Laila. Wilber is also survived by his sister-in-law Evelyn Krause and her children Myrna, Patricia, and Ronald (Marianne) and their families.

Wilber is in communion with our Heavenly Father, and joins beloved family members who left this earthly world before him: parents Charley and Magdalena, wife Donita, sister Leora, brothers Verdin and Junior, grandson Daniel McCarthy, Jr. and son-in-law Daniel McCarthy, Sr. All are in our hearts, minds, and souls and will never be forgotten. It is comforting to know all are watching over us. They are deeply missed, but the memory of them lives on in our hearts.

The service for our wonderful father will be held on Monday, November 25th, at 2:00 pm at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 South Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, California, 90275. The service, which will be held at gravesite, will be presented by Pastor Charlie Rice. Additional memories and poems may be shared by those who wish to contribute. Family and friends will gather immediately following the ceremony for a celebration of Wilber's life.



Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275