
Marilyn M. Krause
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Marilyn Mae Krause, 88, of Jefferson joined her Savior in Heaven on July 8, 2024, in the care of her family and Rainbow Hospice.
She was born May 22, 1936, in Beloit, the daughter of John Gottlieb (d. 1965) and Ruth Bertha Herman (d. 1983) Reaf. Baptized on July 1st, 1936. She had one sister, Marjorie Reaf (d. 2016).
Marilyn graduated from Bethany Lutheran High School in Mankato, MN and went on to attend Rockford Beauty Academy. She worked as a cosmetologist at Le Tress Hairdressers, and then purchased the Fort Atkinson location in 1976 where she lovingly used the gifts God had given her to bring beauty to the lives of others. On June 29, 1980, she joined hands in marriage with Kenneth Krause (d. 2018) at St. Paul's in Fort Atkinson and moved to the country where her love for animals blossomed. She cherished her days hosting the many energetic grandkids there and often remarked, "Those were the best days of my life". She displayed compassion, patience, and humility and was known for muttering that sweet phrase "Oh, dear" while giving caring eye-rolls to those she loved. Rather than retiring in 2004, she ventured with her daughter to add a coffee shop to the hair salon business and the name changed to Beauty and the Bean.
Marilyn was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Helenville. She formerly served on the state cosmetology board and as President of St. Paul's Ladies Aid in Fort Atkinson from 2003 to 2006. Marilyn loved to sing in the church choir, including years in the Blackhawk Sr. Choir, along with the comforting hums she would utter while carrying on with her day. Many hours were spent as a volunteer at Twice Is Nice, where she collected most of her wardrobe and memorable Christmas gifts. Marilyn loved playing games with her grandchildren, reading, shopping and quilting. She decorated Beauty and the Bean with her wall hangings. Her devoted years of genealogy research allowed her to travel, meet, and connect with friends and family around the world. Many pictures can be found of grandchildren standing next to tombstones of long-lost relatives she discovered in her genealogy explorations, never missing a beat at connecting our family's history.
She will be waiting in heaven to greet her four children: Peggy Cooper of Fort Atkinson, Tammy (Tom) Meinel of Jefferson, Jayne (Terry) Pfeifer of Cambridge, and John (Lisa) Schoenfeld of Lake Mills; her grandchildren: Jen (Pete) Hahm, Kyle (Kendall) Cooper, Nick Cooper; Matt (Erin) Meinel, Zach Meinel; Whitney (Matt) Brown, Tayler (Jason) Eternick, Jared Pfeifer; Erin (Sean) Naatz, Andrew (Heather) Schoenfeld, Tom (Anna-Bradley) Schoenfeld, Michael (Sarah) Schoenfeld, Josh Schoenfeld; 13 great-grandchildren and three more on the way, along with other relatives.
The family would like to show gratitude to Tricia and the Rainbow Hospice team for their caring support during this time.
Marilyn's funeral service will be at 11 am on July 13th at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Helenville, with Pastor Titus Buelow officiating. A private burial service will be held on Monday, July 15th. at Evergreen Cemetery of Fort Atkinson.
Friends may pay respects at the church from 9 am until the time of the service.
Memorials may be given to: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, N4656 S. Helenville Road, Helenville, WI
or Rainbow Hospice, 1225 Remmel Drive, Watertown, WI 53094 or any Christian School of your choice.
The Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.olsen-gibson.com
