Philip F. Krause

Philip F. Krause, age 87, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, at Woodland Court Elder Services in Merrill. He was born February 4, 1937, to Ferdinand and Verna (Malluege) Krause. He was baptized March 7, 1937, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill where he was a lifelong member. 

Phil graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1955. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he traveled abroad and was stationed in places like Labrador. There he was a radar specialist. He was honorably discharged after four years of service. Later on, he joined the Army National Guard of Wisconsin. 

Phil was a master plumber, welder, and steamfitter working many places in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Alaska. 

Phil married Carol Kottke on June 11, 1966, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hamburg, WI, a union that lasted 58 years. 

Phil served as an alderman for the 6th Ward. He was a member of the Eagles Arie 584 for over fifty years, VFW Post 1638 – Merrill, Shriners Scottish Rite, Freemason Virginia Falls Lodge 0226, Zor Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. of Madison Shrine, and the Valley of Eau Claire. 

Phil was involved with the St. Stephens United Church of Christ ushers club and served as the president of the church counsel. He also helped organize the Merrill Pool Leagues and was past president of the league. 

Phil loved his family and spent many weekends camping at Muselluge Lake. He enjoyed traveling. He did family trips to Florida, Yellowstone, and Washington DC. Later on he did yearly trips with the love of his life across all 50 states and 7 provinces in Canada. He spent many hours building a log hunting cabin and making roads in the woods. The cabin was named Krause’s Beaver Lodge because of the numerous beaver that were trapped off the property. He was an avid hunter of grouse and whitetail deer. For more than 45 years he enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada. On Sundays he listened to polkas and played Sheepshead with his family, a game he loved. 

Survivors include his wife, Carol; two sons and a daughter, Scott (Lisa) Krause, Todd (Nancy) Krause, and Karen Scott; two grandchildren, Ethan Krause and Cody Krause (friend Morgan Wilde); two great grandchildren, Addisyn and Charlie Krause; and nieces and nephews. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Ferdinand and Verna Krause; sister, Eunice (Butch) Hudzinski; and son, Keith Krause. 

Phil’s family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Court for the loving care during his time with them as well at Compassus Hospice Care. Though we miss him dearly, we are grateful to have decades of memories to keep with us as we move forward with him living with us in our heart and free of pain. 

The funeral service for Phil will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, Merrill. Rev. Michael Southcombe will officiate. Entombment will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638 – Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Friday at the church. 

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Stephens Church, TB Scott Library, or the charity of your choice in memory of Philip F. Krause