Ernst Krause Obituary

Ernst Otto

Krause

March 31, 1935

December 26, 2021



Krause, Ernst Otto, PhD, 86, formerly of Emerson, NJ passed away on Dec. 26 at Lark Springs Memory Care in Colorado Springs, CO. Born in Bautzen Germany to Fritz and Martha Krause; predeceased in 2014 by his wife of 50 years, Susanne. Proud parents of 3 children: Karen (Alan Evans), Ingo, and Marion (James Muth) and grandparents of Katrina (Harrison), Chase, Lexi (Grabski), Cole Krause, and Hunter, Kayla, Ryann Muth. Ernst's first great-grandchild Copelyn Grabski just turned one. He also loved his many NJ dogs, 2 German Shepherds and 9 Dachshunds.

Ernst was very proud of the memoir he published. He described growing up in Germany, emigrating to the US in 1956, and enlisting in the US Army (he trained at Fort Carson, CO, specialized in demolitions, and was stationed in Germany near his home town). He returned stateside in 1959, became a US citizen, met and married Susanne in 1961 and they started a family. He was employed by GE and WR Grace & Co, among others; he earned bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees (thanks to the GI Bill). An avid traveler, he toured extensively throughout Europe and North and Central America, and visited Peru, South Africa, and Egypt. He also hiked just short of the summit of Mt. Whitney, CA.

After Susanne's passing, he reconnected with his dear friend Helga Fortescue from his army days in Germany. He moved to Wenatchee, WA in 2015, so they could enjoy life together, and he also became best friends with her cat Simba.

Ernst loved to spend time with family and friends, especially if it required a road trip; he loved museums and opera music; was a prodigious reader of world history; his storytelling was (in)famous, his ability to find his way back to a place he had only driven to once was legendary, and his memory was infallible, until Alzheimers Disease robbed him of it all. He was transferred to a memory care facility in 2020 (close to his son in CO). Ingo visited often, bringing him his favorite Schlenkerla smoked beer to enjoy.

Heartfelt thanks to the Lark Springs staff for the care they gave to Ernst and the support they provided his family. Memorial service at Becker Funeral Home (April 25) with interment at Westwood Cemetery, Westwood, NJ (April 26). In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Lark Springs (2850 N Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917), the Alzheimer's Association, or a local animal shelter.