Obituary of William Krause SR

William E. Krause, Sr. Age 82, of Crest Hill, passed away Monday, April 27, 2009 at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center following a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. Born August 30, 1926 in Lincoln, NE to William A. and Pearl Mae (nee Duff) Krause. A veteran of the United States Army, he served during World War II in Europe, and was a member of the Army Corps Band. He received his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and also studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music, and Roosevelt and DePaul Universities. Bill taught music at Joliet Junior College for over 25 years, retiring in 1991. He also taught at the University of Nebraska. He was an extraordinary musician, playing with numerous bands throughout the country. He was also a composer, a guest musician with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Simfonia and Pi Kappa Lambda Honorary Fraternities, and the Chicago Musicians Union. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. A loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he will be remembered for his music, gardening, and love of the outdoors. Survived by his five daughters, Vicki (Jaime) Obrecht, Kimberly (James) Bolte, Karen (Stanley) Jessen, Christi (Patrick) Maher and Rachel Rogers; one son, William (late Debbie) Krause, Jr.; 14 grandchildren, Vanessa, Sasha, Christopher (Michelle), Sean, Aimee, Megan, Casey, Alyssa, Zachary, Joshua, Dustin, Candace, Sean and Tiffany; and one great-granddaughter, Loriana. Preceded by his beloved wife, Barbara A. (nee Besse) Krause (May 7, 1995); his parents; and one sister, Elaine. The family would like to thank everyone at the Inn at Willow Falls for the wonderful care and love they provided. Memorial Services for William E. Krause, Sr. will be Friday, May 1, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Ave., Joliet. Inurnment with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Parkinson Disease Foundation would be appreciated. Visitation FRIDAY from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the church. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For Information (815) 741-5500