Gerald (Jerry) Edmund Krause, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, entered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior at the close of a long and well-lived life on December 8, 2025.  He was born on April 22, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Edmund and Emma Krause.

On June 8, 1957, Jerry married the love of his life, Marilyn. Their marriage was a beautiful example of faith, commitment, and enduring love, lasting nearly seven decades. Together, they built a home centered on family, integrity, and trust in God. Jerry is survived by his devoted wife Marilyn, who walked beside him in all of life's seasons.

Blessed with four sons, Jerry was a proud and loving father to: Ronald Krause (Jill), David Krause (Sindee), Richard Krause (Michelle), and Steven Krause (Heather). He was a cherished grandfather to Nicholas Krause (Val), Stephanie (Sean) Leach, Jason Krause, and Michael Krause, and a delighted great-grandfather to Sadie, Skylar, and Sully. Jerry's greatest joy was found in his family, and he thanked God often for the blessing of seeing his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Emma Krause, his sister Janice Gaffney, and his brother Roger. We take comfort in the hope that he is now reunited with them in God's eternal care.

Jerry worked as an accountant, a vocation that reflected his steady character, honesty, and attention to detail. He approached his work as a way to faithfully provide for his family and to live out his values of responsibility and integrity. He also served his country as a veteran of the Korean War, a period of his life his family remembers with respect and gratitude.

Jerry was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Kentwood, where he worshiped, served, and found fellowship with other believers. His faith was a quiet but steady foundation throughout his life.

God gifted Jerry with many interests, and he enjoyed a full and active life. He took pleasure in sailing, bridge, tennis, bowling, reading, and square dancing with Marilyn. He embraced the simple blessings that God placed in his path.

In retirement, Jerry and Marilyn moved to SaddleBrooke in Tucson, Arizona, where they enjoyed the warmth of the desert sun, new friendships, and the opportunity to travel together. During their years in Arizona, they were active at Vista de la Montana United Methodist Church, where they found another church home and community of faith. Their journeys created many treasured memories, and in time they felt called to return home to Michigan, close to the family they dearly loved.

Jerry will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his steadfast devotion to Marilyn, his love for his family, and the quiet strength of his faith. Those who knew him give thanks to God for his life and the example he set. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, and in the assurance of the promise:

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord."

— Matthew 25:23

We rejoice that Jerry is now at peace in the presence of the Lord, and we hold fast to the hope that we will one day be reunited with him in heaven.

Visitation will be held at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1934 52nd Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49508 on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to be served afterward at the church. A private burial for the family will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America: https://alzfdn.org/

Alzheimer's Foundation of America
322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York NY 10001
Tel: 1-866-232-8484
Email: info@alzfdn.org
Web: https://alzfdn.org/donate/