William "Bill" K. Kraus

“If you touch one person’s soul with your singing collectively as a group, you have served what you have set out to do…”

This is “influence”.

William (Bill) K. Kraus of Sandusky, Ohio, lived a full 88, almost 89 years, courageously only leaving us after an intense, brief illness on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Bill was born in Sandusky, Ohio on May 31, 1934, to Andrew J. Kraus(e) and Nellie (Carnegie) Kraus. He attended Sandusky City Schools and graduated from Sandusky High School in 1952. Also, an alumni of Bowling Green State University (BGSU), he graduated from there in 1961 with Bachelor of Arts in Music & Education. An Honorably Discharged Veteran, Bill served in the United States Navy from 1953 to 1957, during the Korean War.

After the Navy, the G.I. Bill and College, Bill returned to Sandusky and to an amazing and influential 33-year career in Vocal Music education as a Music Teacher with the Sandusky City Schools, initially teaching music and directing the choir at Jackson Junior High School. After 13 years, he then advanced to the position of Director of Vocal Music at Sandusky High School, and as the Director of the Sandusky High School A Capella Choir, a position he enthusiastically performed from 1974 until his retirement in 1993. Bill directed the Sandusky Choral Society for 40 years, and the music programs at the First Presbyterian Church. He directed vocal music at Trinity Lutheran & Grace Episcopal Church(s), and returned to Bowling Green State University, at Firelands College, to direct the vocal music there, and this list is not at all inclusive. Affection for music was always present and presented, even when he delivered flowers for Corso’s Cleveland Road Green House, an opportunity to influence again, contributing with a song or a serenade.

While Music was and is Bill’s greatest passion, he was also an avid Sportsman, Fisherman, and Boater. He loved being near and on Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie, an affection and influence he has passed on through several generations of children and grandchildren. Also passionate about summer sports, Bill coached several seasons of Girl Scout Softball, and Little League Baseball, with two of his teams winning World Series Championships!

Survived by Kathleen F. (Fraser) Kraus, his wife of 70 years, and two sisters, Judy and Thomas Wolfe of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and Gayle Bovia of Greenwich, Ohio, his legacy continues with his children’s families of Jeffery and Irene Kraus, of Sandusky; Robert and Julia Kraus, of Norwalk; Steven and Bonnie Kraus, of Oak Harbor; and Carolyn and Ralph Springer of Milan, Ohio. There are also 12 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by his son David William Kraus, on August 8, 2009.

The influence of his Living was warmly demonstrated in song and friendship this past February with a “Celebration of Life for William Kraus”, that was honored and attended by hundreds of his current and past Choir and Choral Society members and felt through thousands of musical interactions with his students and past athletes.

Considerations for donations may be made in William Kraus’ name to the Sandusky High School A Capella Choir, 2130 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, ATTN: A Capella Choir, or the Sandusky Choral Society, P.O. Box 1221, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

William “Bill” Kraus continues to inspire and influence.

The family is conducting a private graveside service.

Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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