Obituary

Rev. Kenneth Edwin Krause 1955—2021
Rev. Kenneth Edwin Krause, 66, of Rockford, was welcomed into his Savior's arms on Sunday, January, 24, 2021. The Triune God blessed Rev. E. George and Hildegarde (Thalmann) with their son Ken on January 24, 1955 in Rockford, IL. The heavenly Father claimed Ken as his own child through the waters of Holy Baptism at Concordia Lutheran Church in Machesney Park, IL. The Holy Spirit caused the seed of faith to take root and grow in Ken's heart, and Ken was confirmed in the faith, confessing Christ as his Savior at Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb, IL. Ken labored heartily with the talents God gave him and graduated from NIU with bachelor's in Accounting and Finance, working as a CPA for 3 years. God called his servant Ken into pastoral ministry at First Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN after Ken graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. In 1990 God called Ken and his family to serve at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL, and later also to serve Concordia and Resurrection Lutheran Churches. He also served the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS as secretary for 9 years and was currently serving as first vice-president. Ken married the love of his life, Julie Ann Machula on June 28, 1986. God blessed them with three daughters Katie, Rachel, and Sarah, whom Ken loved so much and so well. God blessed Ken's family to know the love of a faithful husband and father, living in the love of Christ and radiating joy with a ready smile. Ken reveled in the life God gave him, making music with his family, teaching Greek and Hebrew classes, whistling, playing tennis, riding his bike, and learning to fly. Most of all, Ken reveled in the love Jesus had for him, reflecting that love to others in words and deeds. Ken is survived by his wife Julie; daughters Katie Krause, Rachel Krause, and Sarah (Michael) Duffy; his sisters Jeannie (Tom) Newton and Debbie (Steve) Weber; brothers-in-law David (Nancy) Machula and Lynn (Sandy) Machula; many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. E. George and Hildegarde Krause, nephew Nicholas Weber, and Julie's parents, August and Julia Machula, and by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who died and triumphed over death and the grave, and who has gone to prepare a place for Ken and for all who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
A walk-through visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2001 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Mt. Olive Church. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to one of the three churches he served: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Concordia Lutheran Church, and Resurrection Lutheran Church, or to Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The funeral service will also be live-streamed from the church's website. Masks and social distancing will also be required. Please visit www.olsonfh.com for covid 19 limitations or to express a condolence.