James A. Krause

James Allan Krause, age 70, died on Saturday,  April 4th surrounded by his family in Randolph, WI.

He was born on September 15th, 1955 to Robert and Betty (Lange) Krause in Berlin, WI. Jim,  fondly know by friends as “Doc”, married his childhood sweetheart, Kristin (Janssen) Krause on June 16th, 1979.  Jim graduated from Berlin High School in in 1973.  He later attended Moraine Park Technical College in Fon Du Lac, WI, learning to repair major appliances.  After finishing his education, he worked at Beaver Gunite in Beaver Dam for 13 years before going on to become his own boss.  He operated his appliance repair business, The Appliance Doctor, for 36 years.  He also taught classes at Moraine Park for three years during his working career.

Jim loved music and brought that love to life by joining a band from Berlin, WI, Boomba’s Boppers.  He played guitar and sang entertaining many at parties, dances, and parades throughout his years in the band.  Spending time with his family and friends around the campfire at the cabin in Hayward, WI, was a favorite pastime; he could often be found watching what he called “the nature channel,” which was really just a camp chair on the pier overlooking the lake.  Many hours were spent on the water by day, teaching his kids and grandkids how to ski and tube, and looking for the International Space Station or other satellites at night.  Jim was always up for a conversation about wine, bourbon, books, movies, cars, and the various problems with modern appliances. (In case you’re wondering, “It’s all garbage so just get a new one.”)  On quiet evenings at home he could be found with a small dog on his lap binge watching TV shows with Kris. The duo enjoyed taking trips over the years including to Gulf Shores, Mexico, Jamaica, visiting family in Arizona, and they even got their kicks on Route 66.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Kris, son Dan (Erin) Krause, daughter Katie (Kevin) Bedker, his two grandchildren, Owen and Sonia Bedker, and siblings, Susan, David, and Gary.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father and older brother, Dale.

There will be a memorial gathering from 11am-2pm on Saturday, April 11th at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam, WI.