Geraldine Hunter Krause

Geraldine H. Krause (Gerry), left to sing in the Heavenly Choir of God on April 23, 2018. She was predeceased by her husband of 52 years Retired Army Major Donald A. Krause, son Ken Krause, granddaughter Heather Krause, as well as many other loved ones.

Born September 29, 1925 in Youngstown, Ohio to Edna and Harry Hunter, she was affectionately called Cherri by her family including an older sister Ginny, brother Bud and a brother, Bob who was a year younger. She is survived by 2 nieces: Sharon (Brent) Norris and Pamela Hunter plus 4 nephews: Terry (Carol) Hunter, Michael Hunter, Phil (Donnette) and Hank Hunter.
Her father was an Executive Boy Scout for 35 years earning the Silver Beaver Award. One of her favorite memories was spending every summer at Boy Scout Camp with her family. They moved to Harrisburg, PA in 1935. She enjoyed singing in the Pinehurst Presbyterian Church choir, the School Choir and being involved in many other church and school activities.
In May of 1943, a young, handsome recruiter for the Army came to her church, they went to lunch and the rest was history. Don and Gerry married on July 31, 1943. They began a wonderful life of serving in the Army in New York City, Altoona, PA, Alabama, Germany, Fort Bragg, NC, Newfoundland and again to Fort Bragg where they retired from the military.
They were blessed with 8 children: Linda (1944), Don (1950), Susan (1951), Gigi (1952), Ken (1953), Bob (1958), Missy (1959) and Craig (1969).

The family moved to Asheville, NC to begin their next adventures. During their time in Asheville, Gerry was very active in the Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and organized the annual outdoor live Nativity Scene (very cold). She was involved in 3 different school PTA’s for her children along with being a Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. Gerry was selected to be a leader on the Pisgah Girl Scout Council and led the Pied Piper program with Ruth Graham (Billy Graham’s wife), Honorary Chair. She was also very involved in the Duplicate Bridge World, teaching and playing in tournaments. She earned the Silver Life Master Award for Bridge and loved to engage her children, grand and great grandchildren in all card games (usually winning). She was also an avid crossword and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast as well as a prolific reader.

In 1969, most of the family moved to Atlanta, GA. And In 1973, they moved to Tampa as their ideal home – lots of sunshine. In Tampa, they joined Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church in Town and Country. Gerry became an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Leader, Women’s Circle Leader, served as the Presbytery’s Circle Leader Installer, and worked as a worship leader for the Billy Graham Crusade and sang in the Crusade’s choir. Gerry was the Choir Director for over 28 years often directing, singing and playing the piano at the same time. Every Sunday that she was in church, she taught and led the children in Bible songs. She sometimes ended up teaching the children’s children. At Chapel in the Pines, she received the Evangelism Award for outstanding leadership and outreach to the community.

Gerry and Don joined the Rough Riders organization when it first started in Tampa. They enjoyed wearing their costumes, being in parades and helping with the service projects. They were also very active in the Officer’s Club at MacDill Air Force Base. Always involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives, they sat through many sporting events and worked in many concession stands.

During the past 9 years, Gerry has been a member of Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater. She was very involved in the Naomi Women’s Circle and received the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership Award for all of her years of service.

Don and Gerry had the opportunity to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary by renewing their vows in 1993. Don died in 1995 and was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. on July 31, 1995 - their 52nd Wedding Anniversary. Gerry will be buried alongside him on July 31st - their 75th Wedding Anniversary.

Gerry leaves behind her ‘Command Central’ post – the chair at the dining room table where she held court each day. Everyone depended on her to spread the news of others, to give good advice and to listen and never judge. She loved God above all else and her family meant the world to her and she was happiest when they were all around.

Gerry has 8 children: Linda (Billy) Earl (Polson, MT), Don Krause, Jr. (Tampa), Susan (Jack) Curry (Safety Harbor), Gigi Krause (Atlanta, GA), Ken Krause (deceased), Bob Krause (St. Petersburg), Missy Jetmore (Land of Lakes), and Craig (Tracy) Krause (Tampa). She has 15 grandchildren: John, Michelle and Bryan Jonas, Erik and Sean Krause, Amberlie Russell, Kevin Curry, Jason Krause, Christina Martin, Robbie Krause, Heather Krause (deceased), David Jetmore, Melody Ostapchuk, Sarah and Maxwell Krause and 23 great grandchildren: Charles Jonas, Christian and Zachary Jonas, Grady and Peyton Russell , Mercedes Krause, Trey and Ryder Curry, Ian, Anya, Emma, Avery, Nicolas, Isabella and Gabriella Krause, Hunter, Alexander, Samuel, and Gemma Krause, Lexi Krause and brother Mikey, Collin and Cody Ostapchuk.

Above all, Gerry loved her family, extended family and friends. She has been described as gracious, kind, humble, a friend to all, full of sunshine and a beautiful spirit. She will love to see all of us in Heaven someday.

Well done, Gerry – good and faithful servant – well done.

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