Kenneth L Kraus

Kenneth L Kraus Kenneth Kraus, age 96, died Wednesday, February 24, 2021, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born February 8, 1925 in Hays, Kansas, to his proud parents, Carl and Sadie (Wilson) Kraus on a farm South of Hays. He graduated from Hays High School in 1943. He married Dorothy (Dottie) Harris on June 1st 1947 in Hays, Kansas. He was a farmer and dairymen for most of his life. He was a Lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church and served on many committees. He belonged to the Hays Lion’s Club and served as their Vice President and President. Ken served on the board of the Hays Farmers Coop and was Chairmen of Epworth Towers a senior living apartment. He also served on the board of the Hays Plaza Apartments serving low-income families. Ken has received many recognitions for a lifetime farming career. He was Chairman of the Ellis County Dairy Board and on the board of the Ellis County Dairy Herd Improvement. Ken was director of Southern Region Association Milk Producers, was elected to United Dairy Industry board of directors and named to the Dairy Research Inc Project Security Committee. Award’s received during his lifetime as a dairyman were, the Balance Farming and Family for county and state, Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Young Farmer award, and Ellis County Conversation award in addition to the Distinguished Dairyman award. In 1982, he was awarded the Kansas Master Farmer award. This same achievement was also given to his father, Carl, in 1928. Preceded in death by parents, Carl & Sadie; brothers, Eldon, John, Warren, and Harold; sister, Dorothy Bemis. Survivors include his wife, of 73 years, Dottie; daughter, Pam (Gordon) Henrickson of Omaha, Nebraska; son, Steve (Pattie) Kraus of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Aaron (Ruthie) Henrickson and Emily Kraus; great grandchild Nate Jarrow; numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ken’s life will be Monday, March 1, 2021 at 10am at the First United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment to follow at Hays Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting memorials be directed to the childrens ministry or youth ministry in care of the First United Methodist Church. Condolences and memories of Ken may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.