Florence Mathilda Marie Kraus was born on March 17, 1927 to Bernard and Caroline (Brandt) Priess near Malcolm, Nebraska and passed away on June 29, 2018 in Crete, Nebraska at the age of 91.
Florence grew up on a home located ½ mile North of Hiway 34 on the Seward Lancaster County line. She was baptized on April 3, 1927 at Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. Fred Moeller and confirmed on March 31, 1940 by Rev. Joechel. Florence attended District #52 Parochial School in Seward County, driving a pony and cart to get to school. She then attended Malcolm High School getting there by horse back her freshman year. In 1943 she was enrolled at Midwest Beauty Academy and received her State License in May of 1944.
On September 20, 1947 she was united in marriage to Leonard V. Kraus at the Lutheran Church in Aurora, Nebraska. In December of 1949 they moved to a farm northwest of Seward, Nebraska making it their home for over 13 years. In 1963 they moved to a farm 4 ½ miles southwest of Denton. She owned and operated a beauty salon in Staplehurst, Nebraska for 8 years and later had her beauty shop in her home for over 25 years. In May of 1988 the couple moved to Crete and while remaining active in her career for years.
Survivors are her children; Kevin (Claudia) Kraus, Launa (Ken) McMillan, Jahnee (Dave) Ladman, 10 grandchildren and spouses; 17 great grandchildren, sister; Laura Daehling.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leonard, son; Kent Kraus, brothers; Oscar in infancy, Adolph (Vera), Ben (Agnes) , Ted (Norma), Albert (Katherine) and brother in law; Fred Daehling.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, Nebraska with Pastor Ron Benson officiating. Visitation with family greeting friends will be on Monday from 5 PM to 7 PM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Private interment will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is in charge of arrangements.