Esther Kraus

Esther Kraus, age 86, formerly of Madrid, Neb., passed away on April 19, 2023, at the Imperial Manor in Imperial, Neb.

Esther was born on September 3, 1936, in Julesburg, Colo., to Cyriel and Barbara (Schmidt) Lanckriet. She graduated from Julesburg High School.

On January 14, 1956, Esther married John Douglas Kraus at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Julesburg. The couple made their home on a farm at Madrid, and their union was blessed with four children: Christine, Debra, Timothy, and Mark.

At one time, Esther owned and operated the bar in Madrid. For the last 25 years, she worked as a secretary for her son, Mark Kraus. Esther and Doug eventually moved from their farm to town, but her love for the outdoors remained constant.

Esther deeply loved flowers and spent countless hours tending to her garden and working in her yard. Her garden and yard were her sanctuary, and she enjoyed every moment spent outside. Esther was also an excellent cook, and her family will always remember her as a dedicated wife and mother. She adored her four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, always cherishing the time she spent with them.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, brothers Leo, Bob, Renae, and George; and sisters Mary Abts and Madeline Ciemnoczolowski.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Doug Kraus of Imperial; children Chris Wendell of Grant, Neb., Deb Kraus of Madrid, Tim Kraus of Ogallala, Neb., and Mark Kraus of Madrid; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Lanckriet; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A memorial has been established in Esther’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

A graveside service will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.