Stephen Kraus

Stephen Kraus, age 88, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 in Springfield Missouri. Steve grew up in the Lincoln Place Neighborhood of Granite City, Illinois. He was born April 5, 1924 the youngest child of Austrian Immigrants, John and Elizabeth Kraus. Steve served in WWII. Fluent in the German language, he survived his capture in Germany. The POW was honorably discharged in December 1945. After returning to his home town, Steve hired into the Granite City Steel Mill. He started at the Open Hearth, moved into the B.O.F. and retired from the Steam Generator in late 1977. He regularly participated in the Southwest Missouri State Senior Fitness Games, and bowled in a number of leagues. In Nixa he was active in the Senior Center and a few local bands. He loved to play his accordion and harmonica as well as delighting his grandchildren with tales of cars, war, and "the way life used to be"�. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Eva June Penrod and their daughter June. Survivors include: his loving wife of 40 years Margaret Mary (Walsh) Kraus; four children: Steve Kraus of Waterloo, Illinois; Kevin Kraus of Nixa, Missouri; Julie McKinney of Pontoon Beach, Illinois; and Jane Kraus; three stepchildren and many grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 8, in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Nixa, Missouri with Pastor Dennis Miller and Pastor Dan Penrod officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.