Judith J. Krause

Judith J Krause, 81, of La Crosse, passed away Friday, November 10 ^th at Gundersen Health System, with her daughter’s hand in hers.

Judith was born June 3, 1936, in Oakland, CA., to William and Helen (Runkel) Rheineck. By the age of six months they moved to Alma Center, Wis., to be closer to her Grandmother. Judy and her mother moved a lot during her childhood, leaving Alma Center for Milwaukee, and eventually moving to and staying in La Crosse. Judy graduated high school in 1953. Judy’s first job right out of school was working for Dr. Marshall’s Dentistry as a receptionist. She was then employed by Trane Company for many years. She worked until her retirement at Allen’s Hallmark in downtown La Crosse where she made some dear friends.

She married Richard J. Krause on July 21, 1972 at English Lutheran Church. They divorced after thirty years, but maintained a caring friendship for each other and shared a love for their daughter, Sara.

Judy enjoyed a good conversation about politics, watching old movies and going to see shows on the big screen, long talks with friends; and just recently had shared a conversation with her daughter about all the trips she had taken throughout her life, fun times spent out on the weekends, how she enjoyed working in her yard, and her love for her cat Missy. Judy loved and was so proud of her four grandchildren. In later years Judy enjoyed the company of her loving friend, Jack Adams; as they enjoyed many nice trips together and good times.

“Mom… I am blessed to have known such a deep love from you, and so proud to call you my Mother, and my friend. We rarely missed a day we did not talk, and shared a relationship I will treasure always and hold close to my heart.”

Judy is survived by her daughter, Sara Dawson; Step children Richard Krause, Ronald (Kelly) Krause, Laureen (Tom) Phillips, and Penny (Kenny) Curnutte. Grandchildren Benjamin Phillips, Bobbi (Rusty) Cragin, Megan Dawson, and Kaitlyn Dawson; along with 4 great grandchildren. Cousin JoAnn (Clarence) Rochester.

She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, her special son in law Kenneth Dawson, and a special cousin Marguerite Cooke.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at English Lutheran Church, La Crosse. Pastor Mark Solyst will officiate. Burial will follow at 2pm in the Greenwood Cemetery, Independence, Wis. Friends may call on the family at the church on Thursday from 10am until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either the Daniel Mitby Children’s Diabetes fund or the Coulee Region Humane Society.