Perry James Kraus

Perry James Kraus

Our dad and husband Perry James Kraus peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 after a long battle with COPD.  He was born February 19, 1953 to Harold “Boots” and Hildegard Kraus in New Ulm, Minnesota, and graduated from New Ulm High School.  Perry and Kathy met while trap shooting; they later married on July 16, 1977.  Perry and Kathy moved to St. James in 1981.  Most of his working years were spent with Conagra in St. James.  He was such a hard worker; working over full-time at Swift, and working side construction projects on the weekends.

Perry and Kathy had 5 daughters; Melissa (Mike) Kyle, Melanie Marti, Mandy Kraus, Marcy (Rob) Weckwerth, and Mackenzie (Jesus) Villarreal.  Of all the caps he had, being a dad was the proudest hat he wore; he was immensely proud of his girls, and later of their 10 grandchildren, Thomas, Christopher, Kaylyn, Joshua, Amelia, Jayden, Callie, Damian, Alena, and Vianna.

Dad loved to fish, hunt, drink Shell’s beer, scratch lottery tickets, tinker with various things, and spend time outside.  He loved going to the cabin fishing with his brother Harold; they would spend all weekend in the sun and he never wore sunscreen.  He would be red as a lobster upon returning home every time, but the memories he made with his brother were all worth it to him.  Dad was an amazing handyman; the man could fix anything!  Dad had a man-cave in the garage of our yellow house where he would work on his projects, or just sit and watch the football game.  Many good times sitting by the wood-burning stove talking about hunting memories with Grandpa Boots.  Dad made the best Sunday breakfasts of eggs, bacon, and hash browns.  Dad had the biggest heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

There will not be a formal gathering for a celebration of life for Dad at this time.  Instead Dad will take his last cruise in the Spring with his brother Harold on Big Lake, and his ashes will remain there at the place he loved so much.